NAFSA: Association of International Educators
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International Student & Scholar Access to U.S. Higher Education

Public Policy Student ScholarInternational students and scholars in the United States make significant contributions to campus learning, community diversity, and the economy. Those who return home to become leaders in their countries represent a reservoir of goodwill for the United States, perhaps our most underrated foreign-policy asset.

Below is the latest information on federal legislative or regulatory activity as it affects international student and scholar access, such as visa policy and immigration reform, as well as reports, surveys, and statistics related to international student exchange.

Reports


Legislative Activity
June 12, 2008
NAFSA Testifies on Green Cards for STEM Degree International Students
John Pearson, Director of the Bechtel International Center at Stanford University, testified on behalf of NAFSA before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

February 19, 2008
New International Student, Scholar Legislation Introduced
On February 14, Senators Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) and Jeff Bingaman (D-N.Mex.) introduced the America Competes Through International Openness Now Act of 2008 (S. 2653) to enhance U.S. competitiveness for international students, scholars, and business travelers.

February 11, 2008
House Hearing on Foreign Student and Scholar Visas

View legislative activity history
Regulatory Activity
June 19, 2008
NAFSA Comments on SEVIS Fee Increase, Out-of-Cycle Review, and Recertification Rule

May 23, 2008
NAFSA’s Comment Letter on OPT Extension

December 13, 2007
Discover America Partnership Urges Wait Times Reduction
The Discover America Partnership, of which NAFSA is a member, recently urged the State Department to couple its planned visa fee increase with a pledge to improve service and reduce visa wait times to no more than 30 days.

November 20, 2007
Proposal to Extend OPT from 12 to 29 Months


View regulatory activity history