Opinion Pieces

Welcoming International Students to America
by U.S. Ambassador Cesar Cabrera

November 30, 2006

International Education Week was celebrated November 13-17.  In honor of International Education Week, the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section participated in Le Bocage International School’s college fair.  Representatives from ten U.S. universities talked with students about pursuing their higher education in the United States.  Mauritian students also participated in a digital video conference at the U.S. Embassy with three American students.  The students heard first-hand the American students’ perspectives on studying in the United States.

Across America and in more than 100 countries, schools and organizations held events to recognize the many ways in which international education enriches our communities, our nation, and most importantly, the scholars and students we welcome to the more than 4,000 outstanding educational institutions in the United States.

The American Embassy is proud of its role in making educational opportunities a reality.  Currently, there are several hundred Mauritian students studying at American universities.  In 2006 the Department issued more than 590,000 visas for international academic and vocational students and exchange visitors to study or conduct research in the United States – an all-time record.  This figure is 14% higher than last year, and over 5% above the previous high in 2001.  The numbers are particularly notable from countries like China and India, but we’ve seen increases over the past several years from every region in the world. 

After the 9/11 attacks, the United States made major security enhancement changes to our visa process.  These changes were essential to meet our primary mission to ensure the security of our nation’s borders and the safety of our citizens and of visitors to our country.  There are those who believe increased border security must involve an inherent trade-off:  that securing our borders means also closing our doors to international students and other visitors.  The United States Government has always maintained that meeting both goals – a policy we call “Secure Borders, Open Doors” – is not only possible, it’s imperative.  We are meeting both, every day.

Supporting international education is a matter of national security.  Foreign students contribute over $13 billion annually to the economic well-being of the United States.  Their work is part of the academic and scientific research that spurs innovation and fuels our knowledge-based economy.  But much more important are the interpersonal exchanges that leave lasting, positive impressions.  These, in turn, shape international opinions of our people and our nation more accurately than media headlines.  The best advertisement for America is America, and there is no better way to learn about the United States than to live and study and work here.  We welcome students from around the world, for they will be the next generation of world leaders:  former presidents of France, Indonesia, and Mexico; the king of Jordan; and the UN Secretary General, to name just a few, all studied in the United States. 

Some of the changes we made following 9/11 regrettably created the perception that the United States had permanently removed the welcome mat for international students.  These and other factors resulted in a decline in the number of international students applying to American colleges and universities.  Because we believe the loss of even one foreign student is one too many, we have made the commitment to ensure that applying for a U.S. visa is not an impediment to legitimate foreign students.

Since 9/11, we have worked tirelessly to increase the transparency, efficiency, and predictability of the visa process, with a special focus on students.  Students can now apply for their visas 120 days before the start of their program, and schedule their appointment as soon as they have been accepted to school.  Our embassies and consulates give priority to student visa applications, and we post appointment wait times on our website.  Today, 97% of qualified applicants receive their visas within two days.  In Mauritius, we offer same-day appointments and next day visas.

Changed procedures are only part of the story, however.  Public diplomacy – through occasions like International Education Week – is another.  Officials, from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice down, have taken every opportunity to speak to students, faculty, parents, and other audiences here and around the world about the breadth and richness of educational opportunities in the United States.  Our message to international students is clear:  we need you, we want you, and we will help you get here.