Session A30: US Immigration Policy Challenges for International Scholars

Invited Talk: Mary Feeney

Dr. Mary K. Feeney will present results from a national survey of academic scientists on perceptions of US immigration policies and intention to leave the US. Her presentation will highlight trends in US immigration policy relevant to scientists studying in the US and policy responses to these challenges. Drawing from a recent publication, Dr. Feeney will note how an increased focus on national security and the US response to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in universities experiencing declines in international student applications, constraints on international scholar employment, and complications facilitating international research collaborations.

 

Contemporary social science and policy research demonstrates that scientist mobility is critical for science education, training, competitiveness, collaboration, and innovation. Using a representative sample of US-born and foreign-born scientists in three STEM fields, Feeney et al (2023) explore how recent visa and immigration policies have shaped research collaborations, work with students and postdoctoral scholars, and intentions to leave. Feeney will present results on disruptions from visa and immigration policies and negative effects on recruitment and retention of international trainees. She will discuss how immigration policies negatively impact US higher education and increase intentions to leave the US and what these trends mean for US universities and national innovation competitiveness.   

Invited Talk: Jill Welch, senior policy advisor, Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and senior consultant, U.S. for Success Coalition

International students create jobs, drive research, enrich our classrooms, strengthen national security, and become America's greatest foreign policy assets. For these and many other reasons, including the enrollment cliff we're facing due to demographic shifts, ensuring that the United States is the top destination for international students is a top priority for colleges and universities, their associations, and the government. Yet new international student enrollment is down dramatically across the United States and other nations are outcompeting us for these talented students. This session will focus on a united approach to ensure the U.S. leads the world in making sure our campuses reflect the global community all of our students need to understand.   

Viewing Immigration Policy Through an Election Year Lens

This year, official Washington will be focused on the upcoming November election. All legislative and policy activity will be viewed through this lens. Unfortunately, attracting and retaining international students intersects with the highly controversial and polarizing issues of U.S. immigration law and policy. As Congress seeks to pass laws to meet the needs of U.S. students, workers, and the economy, there is an ongoing need to highlight the important role international students play in furthering these objectives. Creating a U.S. immigration law that addresses the aspirations of international students and the needs of the United States will require sustained education and advocacy efforts.   

APS Advocacy -- Ensuring the U.S. Remains a Destination of Choice for International Students and Scholars

Mark Elsesser is the Director of Public Affairs for the American Physical Society. In this role, Mark leads the Society's science policy and advocacy efforts. Mark will discuss various advocacy efforts that APS has led to help the U.S. remain a destination of choice for international students and scholars and share ways for APS members to get involved.