A group of bipartisan US lawmakers has advised the Trump administration to uphold the current visa system for international students and scholars. They expressed concerns that proposed changes could harm America’s technological advancement, economic competitiveness, and research leadership. The lawmakers, including Representatives Sam Liccardo, Jay Obernolte, Maria Salazar, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, emphasized the importance of the existing “Duration of Status” system for F-1 and J-1 visa holders, which allows flexibility for long-term study and research in the US, particularly in STEM programs where doctoral studies often exceed six years.
The legislators highlighted the vital role international students play in driving US competitiveness in various fields like advanced manufacturing and medical research. They warned that imposing a fixed four-year admission period could lead to administrative challenges, processing delays, and disruptions to academic pursuits. Additionally, survey data indicated that almost half of international graduate students and postdoctoral researchers would not have chosen the US for studies if such restrictions were in place.
Furthermore, the lawmakers underscored the significant economic contributions of foreign students to the US economy, citing an annual contribution of around $43 billion to local economies and support for over 355,000 American jobs. They emphasized the need for a diverse pool of international scholars, students, and citizens to bolster American businesses and technological innovation, safeguarding the country’s economic strength.
The legislators also raised concerns about the potential negative impact of a decrease in foreign STEM graduates on the US workforce. They warned that even a one-third decline in such graduates could result in a substantial loss to the high-skilled STEM workforce, potentially reducing the US GDP by billions annually within a decade. While acknowledging the administration’s desire for enhanced oversight of foreign students to prevent exploitation by adversaries, the lawmakers argued that international students are already rigorously vetted and monitored through systems like the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
In conclusion, the lawmakers urged the administration to maintain the Duration of Status system and implement efficient visa processing policies to create a stable environment for international students and scholars.
