WASHINGTON, April 16, 2002 - In his floor statement yesterday during the Senate’s consideration of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act (H.R.3525), Senator Edward Kennedy (D - Mass.) called the international education community’s support of the immigration reform legislation "extraordinarily important." 

Sen. Kennedy read from a letter sent by NAFSA (Association of International Educators) to the original sponsors of the legislation. In the letter, NAFSA expresses its strong support of the bill and pledges to work to ensure its successful implementation. 

NAFSA has emphasized the importance of a balanced approach to immigration reform and border security in the aftermath of September 11, pointing out that while appropriate steps should be taken to prevent individuals with harmful intentions from using student-visa status as a means to enter the United States, foreign students are a national-security asset and significant foreign-policy tool for the United States that must be preserved. 

Foreign student visas account for only two percent of the 30 million temporary visa holders in the United States. H.R. 3525 takes a balanced approach to immigration security matters, putting in place the necessary measures while seeking to maintain an open society. In particular, the legislation reflects a constructive approach to foreign student monitoring and recognition of the importance of foreign students to the United States. 

NAFSA urges the U.S. Senate to act quickly to pass H.R.3525. 

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NAFSA's letter to Senator Kennedy regarding the border security bill