After the onset of the terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001, the number of international students going to and enrolling at major universities in the country has significantly dropped. Many US policy makers and citizens did not know how important foreign students were to American academic institutions until then. In the past, not many people recognized the value and potential help of foreign students and not just to the existence of the universities, but to the whole of the United States.

There are two main reasons why American universities keep on luring foreign students into pursuing degrees with them. These reasons have never been exposed and clearly identified, since the number of international students enrolling in the US has significantly dropped.

The first reason is that US universities rely on international students for research help. Bright students from other countries are crucial and are significant in helping make university researches and endeavour successful growth. Generally, universities require students to comply to research requirements, which usually would help in the major research efforts. Aside from that foreign students are also reliable as sources of teaching staffs. There are many foreign students who end up staying in the country and staying for longer periods because they pursue teaching careers. Thus, the US does not encounter manpower and professionals.

The second reason why the US is bent on luring more foreign students is that by staying in the country to study, foreign students are being familiarized with the essential and basic US legislative policies. When that happens, the US in a little way is disseminating its policy and more people from around the world will be familiarized with it as well with US legislation, which could benefit the US and help it stay a superior power.

On top of all these reasons of course, economic implications are also very important. International students infuse lots of money to the already strong US economy every year. The country's tourism industry is also promoted because students will keep on telling their families and friends back home how beautiful and welcoming the country is.