APLU Statement on Presidential Proclamation on Nonimmigrant Visas

Washington, DC – Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ (APLU) President Peter McPherson issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s proclamation on nonimmigrant visas.

“APLU is deeply concerned about the presidential proclamation suspending certain new visas through the end of the year. The nation relies on H-1B visas to draw the world’s foremost scholars and researchers to teach and make breakthrough innovations on our universities’ campuses. These individuals strengthen our institutions, economy, and country.

“We can’t afford to cede ground to international competitors at this critical time. Suspending new visas in these areas will hamstring our economic recovery and diminish our standing as the world’s most innovative economy. As the administration considers further action on H-1B visas, APLU will engage to defend the importance of the visas to public universities as both employers and educators of talent.

“We also urge the administration to bolster efforts to keep foreign-born graduates in the United States. We draw the world’s brightest minds to our university campuses, and we should make every effort to ensure they make discoveries, start businesses, and create jobs in the United States.”