APLU Statement on U.S. Department of State’s Reported Plans to Limit Visa Duration for Some Chinese Students

Washington, DC – The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) today released the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of State’s reported plans to let consular officials limit how long some Chinese citizens’ visas are valid, effective June 11, 2018.

“Public universities have an unwavering commitment to protecting U.S. national and economic security. As important partners with the federal government, public research universities recognize that protecting intellectual property is essential to the security and competitiveness of the United States.

“At the same time, we believe that student-visa policies for Chinese citizens to protect against security concerns should be narrowly tailored to ensure they don’t needlessly deter the brightest minds from studying in our country. Our nation’s policies should aim to attract and retain top foreign students who will come here to make discoveries, pioneer innovations, and go on to start businesses in the U.S. that create new jobs.

“As public institutions, our part in safeguarding American national and economic security is a responsibility we take very seriously. We urge the administration to work with the higher education community to formulate policies that do so without inappropriately limiting foreign students’ invaluable contributions to the country.”