Washington, May 29, 2020 — Today, President Trump issued a presidential proclamation suspending the entry of graduate and post-graduate level students from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) whose study or research contributes to the PRC’s “military-civil fusion strategy”. The proclamation is effective at 12:00 p.m. eastern daylight time on June 1, 2020, and will remain in effect until terminated by the President. The following is a statement by Dr. Esther D. Brimmer, Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
“As we await further details on how this new proclamation will be implemented, we are concerned about the effects that it will have on international education and vital research cooperation. Policies should be carefully crafted to protect national security, without extinguishing the spark of innovation. Sweeping policies can have the disastrous impact of fueling discrimination. That is deeply troubling and the antithesis of what we believe as a country, that all are created equal.
“In the midst of a devastating global pandemic, international engagement among the world’s leaders, scientists and researchers will forge the way forward to a global health solution. Restricting the entry and possibly revoking visas of certain Chinese graduate students and researchers will undoubtedly disrupt instruction and research on our campuses. In a global competition for talent, policies like this send the wrong message at a time when it is vital for us to attract the best and the brightest to our universities and communities. To keep the United States growing economically and educationally, it’s important that our government enact thoughtful policies that help America thrive. We will continue to make the case that openness and a welcoming posture further enhances our institutions and the United States.”
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About NAFSA: Serving more than 10,000 members and international educators worldwide, NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange. Visit us at www.nafsa.org/press. To learn more about our advocacy efforts on behalf of international education, visit www.nafsa.org/takeaction. Resources to guide our members on these issues can be found at www.nafsa.org/reginfo.