This study uses data from various sources to examine the determinants of trends
in international student migration to the United States. Our results highlight
the differential contributions to these trends made by various entry pathways.
For example, we find that the overall growth was driven by students using visas
that offered the least possibility of US employment following the completion of
their studies. We also find that overall student migration trends were
significantly affected by global demographic changes. For example, student
emigration from Europe was negatively affected by declining fertility trends,
percentage of youths, and youth population size. In Asia and Africa, contrasting
demographic trends explained the substantial student migration increases
observed from these regions. Increases in youth population size had a
particularly positive effect on student migration in contexts of economic
growth. Finally, the analysis finds a declining significance of English language
contexts for fueling overall student migration trends.
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