Security-Driven Policy Shifts in Host Countries: South Asian International Students

This study examines the security policy changes in host countries and their impact on international students from South Asia. Over the past two decades, cases of Asian students immigrating to Nordic and Scandinavian countries for educational purposes and subsequently marrying locals to obtain citizenship have led to significant policy changes. Many of these students left their spouses and children after obtaining citizenship and returned to their home countries to remarry. These practices raised social and security concerns and led to stricter immigration and naturalization policies. This study examines how these changes were driven by the need to address the exploitation of marriage for citizenship and the resulting social challenges. By analyzing policy documents and case studies, the study highlights the specific security issues that led to these policy changes and assesses their impact on South Asian students. The findings provide insights into the complex relationship between national security measures and international student mobility and offer recommendations for more balanced and inclusive policies.