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Higher Education and Research Groups Recommend Visa Reforms

May 20, 2005

NACUBO joined 40 education and research organizations in making recommendations to the federal government to reduce barriers that make it difficult for international students, scholars, and researchers  to visit and work in the United States. The recommendations, spearheaded by the Association of American Universities and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, included a request that the Visa Mantis security clearance for international scholars be extended to comport with their academic appointments, similar to the extension recently provided to foreign students. The statement emphasized the contributions of foreign scientists and engineers to U.S. leadership in science and innovation. The group also urged the government to:

• allow international students, scholars, scientists, and engineers to renew their visas;
• renegotiate visa reciprocity agreements with key sending countries to extend the duration of visas for citizens of each country and permit multiple entries on a single visa;
• amend inflexible requirements that lead to frequent student visa denials;
• develop a national strategy to promote academic and scientific exchange and to encourage international students and scholars to pursue higher education and research opportunities in this country; and
• not require that export licenses be obtained for international scientists and engineers to use equipment for unclassified, fundamental research in the United States.