Increased security screening of prospective international students by the State Department is keeping some out of school, a recent study found.
The study, conducted by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and the Association of American Universities, found that hundreds of students and scholars have missed programs because of the increased scrutiny of those seeking visas for scholarly work.
"It's never been like this before," said Richard Tanson, international students and scholars advisor at the University. Tanson reported that 20 incoming University students were not able to arrive for the fall semester this year because of prolonged visa screenings.
The majority of students delayed because of security screening were from Southeast Asian Islamic nations, Tanson said.
The study shows that at 77 surveyed institutions, the number of enrolled international students has continued to rise, as has been the trend in past years, though the increase might be leveling out. The number of international students and scholars actually attending these schools, however, has decreased.
According to the survey, many students, professors and researchers have been forced to go to other countries or refrain from their work, resulting in high costs to the individuals and the institutions involved.
The new screening procedures, which are only now going into effect, are causing those involved in international education to adjust application scheduling.
"We hope there aren't going to be continued delays for legitimate students trying to come here, but we are entering a new system and are certainly in transition," said William Quandt, vice provost for international affairs. "However, we hope the state department won't unfairly make it harder for students to get visas because of their nation or origin -- we can deal with a new time frame but only if it is done in a fair way."
Tanson shared Quandt's fear, citing poor execution of new policy to date as evidence.
"I do not have confidence in the state department's ability to screen entrance," Tanson said. "So long as the government does its job, there is no problem, but if I said that those in my profession thought the INS and the state department are doing the job they are mandated to do, I would be lying."
Second-year College student Sahil Sethi, an international student from India, which is reported to suffer from increased difficulty in obtaining visas, explained that international students go through a lot to get into schools and can suffer greatly from withheld visas.
"You go through SATs, exams and admission, and if you don't get a visa, you might not have applied to any schools in your home country," Sethi said. "Students are relying on their admission, and it hurts a lot if the visa is rejected."
While members of the University community agreed that new regulations are important for national security, they expressed fear and frustration over the prospect of sanctions that are not efficiently and uniformly executed.
"They need to get their act together," Tanson said.
Read More
Department of Education reverses course, awards Federal Executive Institute to U.Va.
By Ford McCracken | YesterdayThe ED had previously awarded the institute to Charlottesville City Schools.
Students reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis
By Bertie Azqueta | 2 days agoAt the University, students shared a range of perspectives on his legacy of reform, inclusivity and his impact on the global Catholic community.
What does the University’s contract with dining service Aramark entail?
By Brandon Kile | 3 days agoThe Cavalier Daily submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the University for its contract with Aramark to understand the specific terms of the agreement.
