UNITED STATES

HE at risk from immigration policies – University head

A prominent university head has said university leaders are concerned about how federal government policies, particularly on immigration, are affecting higher education in the United States, writes Natasha Turak for CNBC.

Max Nikias, president of the University of Southern California (USC), discussed the education sector's fears for over-reaching regulation by the government. "There hasn't been a major impact yet, but it's something we're concerned about, we lobby congress – we're always worried about government over-regulation in American higher education, especially as a private, independent research university, but it remains to be seen if there is going to be a major impact," he said.

Donald Trump's presidency has been seen in part as resulting in a mounting backlash against immigration with opponents of increased international arrivals believing that they could take jobs from American citizens. Nikias rejected that perspective. "The balance of international students – there is nothing wrong with it. Our university has been welcoming international students for the last 140 years," Nikias said. "Clearly from my perspective I'd like to diversify international student enrolment." USC is opening a London office this year.
Full report on the CNBC site