Hey, I am actually in a similar boat, I had applied to 17 schools and got rejected from most of them. Only interviewed with 3 (still waiting to hear back), which were not my top choices. I am international but I am currently in the US. I have a Masters' and have 6 years of research experience. I had heard that the more research experience you have the more it helps, but definitely didn't help me in my case. So I don't really know what all you need to have to get into a good school. UCSF is definitely not international friendly, I am currently working at UCSF, and my PI couldn't help me get in. He said the admissions committee has very specific criteria but he didn't give me more details. I was rejected from both schools I have worked at as a research technician. I felt very dejected but consoled myself saying may be things happen for a reason. The only thing I don't have is a publication under my belt. I am one of the unlucky ones who hasn't been able to be published even though I have given 6-7 years to the research field.
As far as international friendly schools is concerned, I would check out UMass Amherst, Rutgers, UC Santa Cruz too. They are mid-tiered universities but have a pretty good biology program.
Would love to chat more if you want to. Feel free to DM me and we can connect.