The Hindu Business Line : US academies lobby for easing of visa norms

HEADS of leading organisations of higher education, science and engineering in the US have made a plea for dispelling misperceptions about the visa system that `does not welcome international visitors who contribute immensely to the nation's economy, security, higher education and scientific enterprises.'

The US government had, in the aftermath of 9/11, put in place new safeguards in the visa system that made it extremely challenging for bonafide international students, scholars, scientists, and engineers.

This offered others the opportunity to attract these individuals, a signed document by heads of leading institutions to the US government said.

These institutions include Association of American Universities, American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Academy of Sciences, American Council on Education, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine and American Association of State Colleges and Universities, among many others. Despite significant recent improvements to the visa system, considerable barriers remain that have in turn created misperceptions in the minds of aspiring students and scientists who want to come to the US for pursuing higher studies.

"These misperceptions must be dispelled soon, or we risk irreparable damage to our competitive advantage in attracting international students, scholars, scientists, and engineers, and ultimately to our nation's global leadership," the document said.

It offered the following recommendations for further improving the visa system:

Extend the validity of Visas Mantis security clearances for international scholars and scientists from the current two-year limit to the duration of their academic appointment. This would prevent redundant security checks that can waste resources and cause unnecessary delays and hardships.

Allow students, scholars, scientists, and engineers to renew visas in the US itself.

Renegotiate visa reciprocity agreements between the US and key sending countries to extend the duration of visas each country grants citizens of the other and to permit multiple entries on a single visa.

Amend inflexible requirements that lead to frequent student visa denials. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 should place greater emphasis on student visa applicants' academic intent and financial means to complete a course of study in the US, instead of their ability to demonstrate evidence of a residence and employment in their home country and their intent to return home.

Develop a national strategy to promote academic and scientific exchange and to encourage international students, scholars, scientists, and engineers to pursue higher education and research opportunities in the US. In addition to visa reforms, this strategy should include a plan to counter prevailing negative perceptions of studying and conducting research in the US and should promote study abroad by American students.

The government should not seek export licenses from international scientists and engineers for using equipment to conduct unclassified, fundamental research in the US. This will discourage top international scientists and engineers from making US their destination.

Lastly, it is essential that adequate resources continue to be provided by Congress and the administration for an effective visa system and implement the recommendations.

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