NAFSA: Association of International Educators Report

NAFSA: Association of International Educators has released a report this morning on what the Obama administration and Congress need to do about immigration reform and visa policy as they relate to attracting foreign students and foreign talent to the US. It makes the case that there are two shifts in thinking that need to happen – one in reference to post -9/11 policies and one in regard to trends in global mobility – and that there are specific policies that can and need to be implemented to make a big difference in enhancing the US’ ability to participate in the global community, both economically and beyond.

As Congress gears up to tackle immigration reform next spring and the administration continues to focus on innovation, job creation, and getting the economy moving, we believe it is past time for an in-depth look at how foreign students factor in. On Friday, President Obama himself raised the issue in response to a question after his job summit, saying:

“We have not seen the same kinds of openness, I think, over the last several years that I’d like to see. Now, we’ve got to do it in a prudent way, but, you know, let’s just take the example of foreign students. One of the great things about this country is we get the best and the brightest talent to study here, and once they study here, they start enjoying the intellectual freedom and the entrepreneurship, and they decide to stay and they start new businesses. Suddenly, you’ve got a whole new generation of folks who are creating Intel or other extraordinary businesses. If — if — if those students start seeing, you know, a — a — a closed door, then we are losing what is one of our greatest competitive advantages. And that’s something that I think, you know, we’re committed to doing.”

KJ