Immigration policies have become a decisive factor in the global competition among universities for students, faculty, and researchers. In the US, new international enrollment fell 17% year-over-year in fall 2025, with further declines expected in 2026, while the UK saw a 6% drop in 2024-2025 amid stricter visa rules. Chinese outbound students hit a decade-low of around 570,000 in 2025. Countries like Germany, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, and Singapore are positioning themselves as alternatives with more welcoming policies. According to Academy of Management Today, these shifts directly affect university finances, research output, and long-term viability as international tuition revenue declines.