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Karen Edwards is assistant dean of students for international student affairs at The College of Wooster. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Luther College and her master’s degree from the University of Iowa. At Wooster, Edwards advises 140 students from 35 nations on government regulations and cultural transitions. She also works with community volunteers to coordinate Friends of International Students, which is a non-residential host family program. She also serves as advisor to Wooster’s International Student Association (ISA) and helps the organization spread cultural awareness on campus through discussions, and special events like International Week. Edwards is affiliated with the Association of International Educators (NAFSA), the Professional International Educators Roundtable (PIER), and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).
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Policy changes by federal government agencies, the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) in particular, are having a significant effect on international visitors, including students. Karen Edwards, assistant dean of students for international student affairs at The College of Wooster, examines some of the recent changes and evaluates their impact. What policy changes targeting international students have been put into place following the events of Sept. 11? International students in the United States are considered non-immigrants (as opposed to immigrants) because their visa status limits the length and purpose of their stay. There has been more legislative action on non-immigrant issues in the last two years than in the past 10 years combined, and most focuses directly on student visa holders. The USA Patriot Act significantly reduces confidentiality rights for non-immigrants; (NSEERS) the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System set into place a plan for tracking the movement of all foreign visitos, the Interagency Panel for Science and Security (IPASS) authorizes the Department of State to scrutinize student visa applicants who intend to study "sensitive" science and technology fields; and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), requires continued electronic tracking on all foreign students by the schools they attend, the INS and The State Department. Broader policy changes for non-citizens also affect students, of course, and would include changes by the Social Security Administration, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and changes in private industry (banking, corporate hiring procedures, etc.). What is the new Special Registration requirement, and how does it work? All males, born before Jan. 13, 1987, who are citizens or nationals of 25 primarily Muslim countries, are required to register at their local INS office within a specific period of time. Registrants must complete a three-page information form, a personal interview, and some have been required to make a pledge of no ill intent toward America or Americans. They must also have a photograph taken and a fingerprint made. Information required includes biographical and residential details, contact data on family and friends, and social and financial information. Registration is required on an annual basis. These individuals may only exit and enter the U.S. through specific ports of entry, and must register at the port’s INS office every time they exit and enter. So far, 17 College of Wooster students have been affected by Special Registration requirements. How have the freedoms of international students been affected by these policies? New policies make it more difficult to become an international student in the U.S. The visa fee has increased twice this year (from $45 to $65 to $100). IPASS and SEVIS have added additional steps and time to the visa application process. Special Registration and Passenger Date requirements have increased the burdens of travel schedules. New policies have also made it more frustrating to be an international student in the U.S. Student rights, mandated through the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA), have been waived for the purposes of SEVIS. It is harder to get a social security number, open a bank account, and secure a driver’s license. Internationals have lost the freedom to be below average, as the process to extend their stay due to failure or problems has been lost. They are not allowed to be 18 year olds, who might procrastinate on deadlines and find forgiveness — it is no longer there. Beyond the logistical details, they have less freedom (and more fear) to be who they are — to feel comfortable in their appearance, practicing their faith, and pursuing their interests.
Long-term affects are more worrisome. The U.S. is currently the No. 1 destination for students from abroad. International students contribute billions to the U.S. economy, not to mention what they contribute intellectually and culturally. These students will find other options — in Canada, the UK, and Australia to name a few. In the long term, then, we lose a great deal in terms of the positive relations and cultural awareness that educational exchange brings. I have not even begun to touch on the long-term effects of allowing the federal government to dabble in exploiting civil liberties and racial profiling. |
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