Washington, November 9, 2020 – On Saturday, Joe Biden was elected president of the United States and his running mate, Senator Kamala Harris, vice president. The following is a statement by Esther D. Brimmer, DPhil, Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators:
“The past four years have been one of the most challenging periods in the history of our field, during which international educators have shown unparalleled strength and resilience. They have defended the field against travel bans, executive orders, detrimental regulatory actions, and xenophobic rhetoric. Now we face a horrific pandemic, which further threatens our field and our lives.
“We are eager to work with the Biden-Harris administration as President-elect Biden has pledged to directly address many of these issues as he takes office. We are also excited to welcome Jill Biden to the White House given her long-standing commitment to expanding access to higher education, specifically advancing our nation’s community colleges. To that end, we see encouraging signs that suggest a more favorable climate for international education, science, and engagement with the world.
“The need for international education has never been greater. Although there will be many requests and demands on the Biden-Harris administration in the upcoming weeks and months, NAFSA will work with their transition team to ensure international education remains in the forefront.
“Just as the COVID-19 virus knows no borders, neither should the solutions to it. To emerge from this crisis we will need to rely on global collaboration. NAFSA strongly supports a free and fair election, today and always, and we look forward to rebuilding our reputation as a more welcoming and engaged United States.”
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About NAFSA: Serving more than 10,000 members and international educators worldwide, NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange. Visit us at www.nafsa.org/press. To learn more about our advocacy efforts on behalf of international education, visit www.nafsa.org/takeaction. Resources to guide our members on these issues can be found at www.nafsa.org/reginfo.