Public Policy
House Hearing on Foreign Student and Scholar Visas
On February 7, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing to examine visa issues affecting foreign science and engineering students and scholars, the first in a series of hearings the subcommittee will hold this spring on this issue. Of utmost concern to the members is the effect these issues have on science diplomacy. The hearing explored recommendations for improving the current visa process and examined the difficulties that arise when universities try to recruit top notch students and professors from abroad.
Subcommittee Chairman Brian Baird (D-Wash.) personally expressed his support for scientific exchange and for foreign students and scholars. He stressed the importance that these groups have on the U.S. economy, security, knowledge, and public diplomacy.
The subcommittee heard testimony from NAFSA member Catheryn Cotten, Director of the International Office, Duke University; Mr. Stephen A. "Tony" Edson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State; Dr. Harvey V. Fineberg, President, Institute of Medicine, The National Academies; and Dr. Allan E. Goodman, President and CEO, Institute of International Education.
Additionally, NAFSA Executive Director & CEO Marlene M. Johnson submitted a statement for inclusion in the Congressional Record (150kb
).
Recent improvements highlighted by the State Department include new recent guidance to allow consular posts to waive the personal interview requirement for certain visa applicants (including the F and J visa categories) who are renewing their visa, a push for extending optional practical training from 12 months to 29 months, an increase in the volume of international student and scholar visas issued over the past fiscal year, and the introduction of a new online visa application process.
Recommendations from the witnesses included reinstating and expanding domestic revalidation of visas, removing the Exchange Visitor Program’s two year ban on repeat participation by research scholars; eliminating the non-immigrant intent provision for foreign students and scholars; and taking additional measures to address America’s image as unwelcoming to foreign students and scholars.
View a web cast of the hearing and access witness testimony transcripts
Subcommittee Chairman Brian Baird (D-Wash.) personally expressed his support for scientific exchange and for foreign students and scholars. He stressed the importance that these groups have on the U.S. economy, security, knowledge, and public diplomacy.
The subcommittee heard testimony from NAFSA member Catheryn Cotten, Director of the International Office, Duke University; Mr. Stephen A. "Tony" Edson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State; Dr. Harvey V. Fineberg, President, Institute of Medicine, The National Academies; and Dr. Allan E. Goodman, President and CEO, Institute of International Education.
Additionally, NAFSA Executive Director & CEO Marlene M. Johnson submitted a statement for inclusion in the Congressional Record (150kb
).Recent improvements highlighted by the State Department include new recent guidance to allow consular posts to waive the personal interview requirement for certain visa applicants (including the F and J visa categories) who are renewing their visa, a push for extending optional practical training from 12 months to 29 months, an increase in the volume of international student and scholar visas issued over the past fiscal year, and the introduction of a new online visa application process.
Recommendations from the witnesses included reinstating and expanding domestic revalidation of visas, removing the Exchange Visitor Program’s two year ban on repeat participation by research scholars; eliminating the non-immigrant intent provision for foreign students and scholars; and taking additional measures to address America’s image as unwelcoming to foreign students and scholars.
View a web cast of the hearing and access witness testimony transcripts
