Feb. 22, 2005

We welcome the recent decision by the U.S. departments of State and Homeland Security to extend the validity period for visa security clearances given to foreign students, scientists, engineers, and medical researchers. This step will facilitate learning and discovery that can bring great benefit to our economy and to society.

Allowing international students who are studying in the United States to maintain their "Visas Mantis" clearance for up to four years -- and extending the clearance for an approved activity to two years for some other categories of visas -- will help our nation meet both its national security and economic development goals. And the extensions make clear America's desire to build stronger allies through scientific and technological cooperation, as well as to harness international cooperation for counterterrorism.

Federal policies must encourage the professional visits of foreign scientists and engineers and the training of highly qualified foreign students if we are to maintain the vitality and quality of America's research enterprise.