The Visa Integrity and Security Act of 2016
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2016 – Marlene
M. Johnson, executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International
Educators, the world’s largest professional association dedicated to
international education and exchange, issues the following statement on House
Judiciary Committee H.R. 5203, the Visa
Integrity and Security Act of 2016:
“NAFSA is unwavering in our
support for national security and, therefore, agrees with the goals of
improving security and enhancing visa integrity. Our nation’s history shows
that welcoming immigrants makes us more secure. Given that available resources
are not unlimited, allocation must be prioritized based on threat assessments.
As you know, not all visitors to the United States present the same threat. We harm
our nation with policies that adopt a zero-sum approach, and exclude those who
seek to come to the United States because of our values, to learn at our higher
education institutions, and who make our country greater.
“Of specific concern is how a new
‘clear and convincing evidence’ standard to prove eligibility for a visa to
travel to the United States will be applied with regard to foreign students.
Current law requires foreign students prove they have no intent to immigrate to
the United States. If this bill becomes law, foreign students will be required
to produce evidence that will create for a consular officer a firm belief or
conviction that the student has no intention to immigrate to the United States.
This will be increasingly difficult as it is now clear that the United States
is reliant on hiring foreign graduates of U.S. higher education institutions to
support advances in science, technology, and other innovations.
“The United States has been
successful at attracting and integrating immigrants who have added tremendous
value to our country and economy. NAFSA supports the goal of improving security
and visa integrity through welcoming immigrants and creating an immigration
system that reflects our values as a nation. H.R. 5203 will not achieve this.”
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About NAFSA: With more than 10,000 members, NAFSA: Association of
International Educators is the world's largest nonprofit association dedicated
to international education. Visit us at www.nafsa.org/press. To learn more about our advocacy efforts on
behalf of international education, visit www.ConnectingOurWorld.org and @ConnectOurWorld on Twitter.