[Modernman]

They weren't when I was in the hard sciences back in the 70's. Back then, the main influx was a lot of Indians and Pakistanis (before China). They got preferred treatment (grants, scholarships and school jobs) and got free rides while we had to work our butts off at Summer jobs etc.

I doubt this is correct. The reason universities like foreign students is because they are generally a cash cow for the school. Unless one is a permanent resident, they do not qualify for government-backed scholarships, grants and loans. So, these students from Pakistan and India were probably either paying their own way or they received scholarships from their own governments.

[Paul Ross]

Doubt all you want. I know what I witnessed, and I am testifying to it. You apparently weren't there. I was

So, these students from Pakistan and India were probably either paying their own way ...

Ha! I also doubt that this supposition of yours is correct. (Turnabout is fair play). As for their governments giving aid, of course, I am sure many of them did have that. As for the U.S., I know for a fact we were also giving them the teaching assistant jobs which they were manifestly inept at...bypassing superior U.S. candidates for limited niches. Whatever the corrupting influence factor was, Cash cow or PC or what-have-you, the "fix" was in.