There's been lots of talk about the impact of the extended state budget crisis on Illinois colleges and universities. Now that money is flowing again and MAP grant dollars are going out to students, new trouble arises, a decline in international students. The University of Illinois at Springfield has depended on international students for its continued growth. Chancellor Susan Koch reports fall enrollment is down by 8.69 percent and a decline in students with visas has played a huge role.

Some blame President Trump's push for a travel ban on some Islamic nations as one reason international students are staying away. Some reports indicate students from nations not impacted by the ban like China and India are going to other countries because they no longer believe Americans are as accepting of all foreign students.