WASHINGTON (16 June 2009) -- IEEE-USA President Gordon Day signed a statement last week urging the federal government to improve the visa processing system to expedite the admittance of visiting international students, scholars and scientists.
IEEE-USA was one of 31 academic, scientific and engineering organizations to endorse the statement sent to U.S. policymakers. Signing organizations included the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Institute of Physics, the Association of American Universities, the American Chemical Society and the National Academy of Engineering.
The group expressed concern about significant increases in visa processing delays this year experienced by many foreign students, scientists and scholars interested in studying, conducting research or attending conferences in the United States. The organizations believe these problems are hurting our country's world scientific and economic leadership.
"Our nation's colleges and universities and scientific and technical organizations are the engines of the new knowledge, innovation, and advanced training that power the country's research enterprise and contribute greatly to economic and national security," the statement says.
Among the eight recommendations the group made are addressing "the current backlog of visa applications as expeditiously as possible," and streamlining "the visa process for credentialed short-term visitors in science and technology fields." Stricter visa screening was put into place after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
"We are confident that it is possible to have a system that protects national security, and yet is still timely and transparent, provides for thorough reviews of applicants, and welcomes the finest talent," the group wrote.
IEEE-USA advances the public good and promotes the careers and public policy interests of more than 210,000 engineers, scientists and allied professionals who are U.S. members of IEEE. IEEE-USA is part of IEEE, the world's largest technical professional society with 375,000 members in 160 countries. See http://www.ieeeusa.org.