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11 March 2011
Posted in
Advocacy -
Advocacy Letters
As representatives of graduate students at the University of Southern California, we are writing to express our deep concerns regarding re-entry visa issue of Iranian students and scholars studying in our institutions.
Iranian students represent one of the major international student bodies in our institution. Throughout the years they have had a significant impact on scientific growth of respective departments through numerous publications in scientific journals and international conferences. However, single-entry visa policy of the United States towards Iranian students has prevented them from leaving the U.S. in case of family emergency or when attending international conferences. They suffer prolonged separation from their families back home during the long course of studies particularly in PhD program. It has added extra emotional pressure on them, adversely affecting their educational performance.
Currently, every Iranian student needs to go through a long administrative procedure without any guaranty to receive a new visa for re-entry upon leaving the country. The procedure involves arranging an interview in a U.S. consulate general in a third country. In case of visa approval, the student should wait for further administrative processing which can take anywhere from a few weeks up to a few months. Cases with waiting time of up to six months have been frequently occurred. This interruption amid the course of studies can be of detrimental consequence to any student as well as their affiliated research labs and academic advisors.
We request you to facilitate the re-entry conditions of Iranian students by revising the related regulations. We are certain that our colleagues’ improved life condition will greatly benefit them as well as our institutions, while entitling them to the same rights as our other international students.
Sincerely Yours,
Jenny Novak, President
Graduate and Professional Student Senate
University of Southern California
