A statement from William R. Brody

President, The Johns Hopkins University

April 1, 2004

The departments of State and Homeland Security have overhauled certain immigration regulations and practices, many of which affect international students and the state of higher education in general. The goal of these reforms is to make our nation more secure. Although the need for national security is of the highest concern, some of these changes have discouraged desirable and responsible students from attending schools in the United States, and prevented Johns Hopkins students from re-entering the country after spending time abroad.

International students and scholars in the United States are a valuable resource contributing to the cultural diversity of their campuses, the global competency of students who are U.S. citizens, and the financial soundness and research output of their institutions. Upon completing their studies in the United States, international students often become ambassadors of goodwill espousing the value and importance of an American higher education experience. More importantly, many former students often take on important and official leadership roles within their respective countries. These alumni of American institutions have a good understanding of American democratic principles and free expression, a quest for knowledge, and an appreciation for our need to further promote homeland security in the United States. As the Institute of International Education has put it, "Knowledge shared across borders [is] the means to advance the lives of people throughout the world." The American educational system at any given time has well over 500,000 international students, faculty, and scholars who continue to demonstrate a high quality of intellectualism, as well as foster open dialogue and lasting friendships.

Several recent policy changes have created obstacles that international students and scholars must face and overcome, impeding their productive contributions to the academic community in the United States. First, there can be inconsistencies among consular officials in approving visa stamp applications. Visa applicants are aware that certain consulates are stricter than others in granting visas. Such inconsistencies can discourage international students and scholars from attending U.S. universities. Second, many immigration regulations within the United States change with little notice. Implementing changes with little notice makes it difficult for universities to ensure that their international students and scholars stay 'in status.' Finally, there is now more stringent enforcement of the "sensitive unclassified" status for research. This status can be applied to research that does not directly affect national security, such as computer science, architecture, optics and biological sciences. There may be additional restrictions and lengthy background checks on people working on these projects, and unclear distinctions as to which information may be published. These recent changes thwart productivity within the academic community in the United States, a country that thrives on the free flow of ideas as well as the contributions of international students and scholars.

The Johns Hopkins University wishes to promote fair treatment of international students and researchers and to advocate on behalf of the system of higher education on a national level. We encourage the consideration of how future changes may further adversely affect the ability of universities to recruit and retain international students and scholars. Specifically, we wish to promote:

• Greater consistency among consular officials in determining visa issuance.

• More advance notice from the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State when changes to regulations are put into effect.

• Conservative, judicious use of the "sensitive unclassified" status for research activities.

A diverse graduate student community is central to the mission of graduate education across the United States. International students and scholars bring to their institutions, in addition to their intellects and cultures, their unique global perspectives. We all benefit from this shared experience.