New York (CNN Business) Fewer international students are coming to the United States. That's hurting American universities and the economy.

The continued decline in international student enrollment since the fall of 2016 has cost the US economy $11.8 billion and more than 65,000 jobs, according to estimates from NAFSA: Association of International Educators, an international association of professional educators.

"There's many variables, but largely it's been the policies and rhetoric from the current administration that's really driven the numbers to move in that direction," said Rachel Banks, director of public policy at NAFSA.

increasingly feel unsafe in America, NAFSA survey data show. There's a perception among international students that getting a visa for the United States is more difficult , and theyincreasingly feel unsafe in America, NAFSA survey data show.

"It's not only the anti-immigrant rhetoric being expressed by this administration, there's also increasing concern with regard to gun violence in this country," said Banks. "There's been a number of shootings and that gets reported worldwide, and parents certainly take all of this into account when they are thinking about where they want to send their children to study."

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