US national academies criticise restricted access for foreign researchers
The leaders of the US national academies of science have called on the US government to facilitate the entry of foreign researchers into the country as delays are harming the competitiveness of US science. The statement from the academies claims that ongoing research collaborations have been hampered, outstanding young scientists, engineers and health researchers have been prevented from or delayed in entering the country, that important international conferences have been cancelled and that such conferences will be moved out of the US in the future if changes are not made. 'To make our nation safer, it is extremely important that our visa policy not only keep out foreigners who intend to do us harm, but also facilitate the acceptance of those who bring us considerable benefit. The professional visits of foreign scientists and engineers and the training of highly qualified foreign students are important for maintaining the vitality and quality of the US research enterprise,' reads the statement. The statement recognises that scientists from Europe 'laid the foundations for our (US) global leadership in modern science' and argues that scientists from other parts of the world have, more recently, become leaders of US research institutions and industries or have returned home, becoming 'the best ambassadors that our country has abroad.' Continued international collaboration is necessary to harness international cooperation for counter terrorism, building stronger allies through scientific and technological cooperation and maintaining US global leadership in science and technology, say the US academies.