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Policy

Problems With Visas

February 21, 2011 | A version of this story appeared in Volume 89, Issue 8

Quoting President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, Jan. 25:

“One last point about education. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of students excelling in our schools who are not American citizens. Some are the children of undocumented workers, who had nothing to do with the actions of their parents. They grew up as Americans and pledge allegiance to our flag, and yet live every day with the threat of deportation. Others come here from abroad to study in our colleges and universities. But as soon as they obtain advanced degrees, we send them back home to compete against us. It makes no sense.

“Now, I strongly believe that we should take on, once and for all, the issue of illegal immigration. I am prepared to work with Republicans and Democrats to protect our borders, enforce our laws, and address the millions of undocumented workers who are now living in the shadows. I know that debate will be difficult and take time. But tonight, let’s agree to make that effort. And let’s stop expelling talented, responsible young people who can staff our research labs, start new businesses, and further enrich this nation.”

In contrast to President Obama’s words, the red-tape procedures for issuing J-1 visas for international scholars (some from friendly countries) are unbelievably difficult. Chemists and other individuals with a “technological background” are required to go through a three- to six-week security background check every time they need to receive a visa stamp, even if it is just for renewal or extension of their visa.

As of right now, several postdoctoral researchers from MIT who are in the middle of their research had to extend their visas. Unlike other countries that allow the extension of the visa without going abroad, the U.S. requires that one return to his or her home country to renew or extend the J-1 visa. U.S. embassies treat each applicant as if he or she had never applied before. This is true even if you went through the same process just over a year ago.

International postdocs have to think long and hard before they decide to go to international conferences, job interviews, or just visit their families. This long delay, which is not always taken lightly by professors, may cause their dismissal and the end of their postdoctoral research. Also, a delay of six weeks means that your rent, bills, bank account, and more are out of your reach, and the life (although temporary) you have started to build crumbles.

Signed,
A foreign postdoc contemplating a trip to visit his family

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