I think it is a little naive to think the effect on the country's "reputation as a place to study, travel, find work, and start families + settle down" wasn't c

I think it is a little naive to think the effect on the country's "reputation as a place to study, travel, find work, and start families + settle down" wasn't considered by those pushing for this policy. Damaging this reputation and therefore reducing overall immigration was most likely considered a positive effect of the policy.