In an effort to crack down on international students and scholars who overstay their visas, the Trump administration is seeking to implement a new set of rules that would make it more difficult for them to remain in the U.S.
Among other things, the proposed rules would require students and scholars from certain countries to leave within either two or four years. This would be irrespective of whether they’ve completed their degrees and research. Only those who could prove a “compelling” reason to stay longer would be allowed to do so.
But the rule comes with a steep price tag. It would also undermine America’s interest in attracting talent from abroad and, ironically, it would do little to curtail the problem of visa overstays that it purports to solve.
Which of the two new proposed maximum time limits – two or four years – would apply would depend on various criteria. Currently, these students and scholars are admitted for “duration of status,” which means they may stay for as long as their academic endeavors require, as long as they follow the terms of their visa.
Federal data shows it takes four years and four months, on average, to complete a bachelor’s degree. In fact, only 44% of first-time, full-time students attending a four-year institution in 2012 completed a bachelor’s degree within four years. For international students, 52% graduate within four years. That means nearly half of all international students take more than four years to finish college.
The uncertainty over whether or not a degree could be completed within the time limits set by the proposed rule would further weaken the ability of the U.S. to attract global academic talent.
While a key argument used to justify the proposed changes is that people who overstay visas may endanger national security, the government estimates that just 1.52% of all international students and exchange visitors overstay.
While the proposed rule would add additional caseloads to an already overwhelmed government agency, it may do little to prevent overstays.
In June, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that it faced a $1.2 billion shortfall. Over the next decade, the Department of Homeland Security estimates the cost to implement the new rule will be as high as $2 billion.
DHS predicts the higher-education sector will lose $93 million during the first year of the rule and roughly $30 million each year thereafter because of staff time spent on training, implementation and supporting petitions for longer stays.
In the end, I believe the economy will lose billions should the new restrictions further accelerate the decline in international enrollment.
Consider the rise of other nations in critical areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and synthetic biology.
This has serious implications for economic and national security. Specifically, the most scientifically and technologically advanced nations tend to dominate global market share in innovative industries, as measured by leading companies, exports and foreign direct investments. They also have the most advanced military capabilities, ranging from autonomous unmanned vehicles to hypersonic and directed-energy weapons.
Additionally, some nations are using the current political climate to lure foreign talent away from the U.S.
International students play a critical role in helping the nation excel in science and technology.
While many international students leave the country after earning their degree, those who choose to stay provide a source of high-skilled talent that ensures our country remains globally competitive in science and technology.
David L. Di Maria is associate vice provost for international education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Distributed by The Associated Press.
