>US education only makes sense for rich students, who want to study for a few years and return.
I want to add that it doesn't make sense at all for funded PhD students, whose advisors draw a lot of funds from the state and federal governments to support them. We're spending a lot of public money educating international students, then forcing that talent and investment out the door when they're done. Why not keep them in the country for a bit to innovate for American companies and pay income taxes?
1. Most of them do not want to stay for a bit but permanently so when asked to leave after x years they will be even more unhappy because now they have settled down, made friends and raising family etc. And I am sympathetic to this argument.
2. Sending immediately back also seems morally right thing to do. While US companies may benefit a bit but 3rd world is in desperate need of well trained experts. Sending those PhDs etc back may be more helpful in getting those countries develop and become self dependent than just aid programmes.
I want to add that it doesn't make sense at all for funded PhD students, whose advisors draw a lot of funds from the state and federal governments to support them. We're spending a lot of public money educating international students, then forcing that talent and investment out the door when they're done. Why not keep them in the country for a bit to innovate for American companies and pay income taxes?