International enrollment declines at Trevecca amid visa challenges

By Mouly Luna

Staff Writer

International student enrollment at Trevecca has dropped significantly in the past two years, not because of declining interest but because of increased challenges in the federal visa process. 

According to Vice President of Enrollment Melinda Miller, the number of undergraduate international students entering with F-1 visas has steadily decreased since 2023. In 2021, Trevecca enrolled 24 first-year students. That number rose to 30 in 2022 and peaked at 37 in 2023. Enrollment then fell to 21 students in 2024 and declined again to 12 in 2025. 

“We have not seen a decline in applications or student interest,” Miller said. “There’s always a lot of international students interested in Trevecca. Unfortunately, we have seen a decline in enrolling international students.” 

Trevecca’s decline reflects a broader national trend. According to the Institute of International Education, international enrollment in the United States has slowed in the past two years as visa delays increased. Dropping to 17% in new international student enrollment for the 2025-26 academic year.

Miller said the primary factor is difficulty obtaining visas through U.S. embassies abroad. While the university continues to admit students, issue I-20 forms, and offer scholarships, visa approval is handled at the federal level. 

In January 2025, a temporary hold on visas were issued by the state department which slowed approvals in some countries, said Miller. As a result, many admitted students were unable to arrive on campus. 

The effects became visible for the Spring 2026 enrollment. Rebecca Merrick, director of global engagement, said 10 international students were admitted for the spring semester, but only one successfully received a visa. 

For students who do arrive successfully, the visa process can be lengthy and stressful. Maria Paez-Escudero, an international student at Trevecca, described her own experience obtaining a visa as stressful and uncertain. 

“There was a lot of waiting and not knowing what would happen,” said Paez. “Even after everything was submitted, it felt like things were out of my control.” 

Paez said the uncertainty made it difficult to plan her move and travel. She received her visa just hours before her 3 a.m. flight, leaving her little time to prepare. 

“You’re trying to get ready for school, but don’t know until the very last minute if you’ll actually be able to come,” said Paez. 

Some changes have affected only a small group of students, said Merrick, while others may face travel or reentry issues. Merrick said international students are being sent to secondary inspections more often when returning to the United States, which can affect processing times and complicate travel plans. 

“I’m hearing from students and seeing on discussion boards that CBP is being a lot more picky when people are reentering the country,” said Merrick. “A lot of international students are being sent to secondary checks.” 

Despite these challenges, administrators emphasized that Trevecca has not changed its approach to international students. While additional federal policy changes may change in the future, Merrick said the university’s focus remains on clear communication and one-on-one support for students navigating the process.