Washington, D.C. – Today, the Department of Homeland Security issued a proposed regulation that would significantly reduce flexibility in the visa process for foreign students, scholars, and journalists, in favor of rigid rules to limit the period of time that such individuals can be admitted to the United States. The proposal also discriminates based on national origin by imposing greater restrictions on individuals born in certain countries. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Immigration and Citizenship Subcommittee Chair Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) released the following statements in response:
“The United States was once a beacon of innovation attracting top talent from around the world,” said Chairman Nadler. “For four years—beginning with the repugnant Muslim Ban—the Trump Administration has chipped away at that reputation, restricting visa issuance and imposing burdensome and discriminatory rules that drive the world’s top students, researchers, and academics away from the United States. We deserve a President who supports our world class academic institutions and values our status as a leader in science and innovation.”
“Our country has long been defined by our institutions of higher education that recruit the best and brightest from around the world. The contributions of international students, researchers, and academics are critical to fueling innovation and to our ability to remain at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements,” said Chair Lofgren. “The Trump Administration’s latest attack on the academic community jeopardizes that future and diminishes America’s global leadership by making the United States less competitive and less welcoming.”
