In January 2008 ISCB embarked upon a first step investigation of the issue surrounding difficulties of our non-US citizen/permanent resident members in obtaining visas to enter the US, whether arriving from another country to participate in a scientific meetings and research, or when reentering the country after leaving to do the same elsewhere. A letter sent via email to all members can be read it its entirety here. Approximately 50 responses were received within just four days of sending the mail. The following summarizes the questions asked by ISCB and responses received from our members.
What we asked:
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1. | Are you experiencing delays getting visas or outright rejections of your applications? |
2. | Are you seeing this problem from particular countries of citizenship? |
3. | Specifically, what problems are you experiencing (i.e., difficulty getting consular appointments; delays in application processing; denial of visas; problems with US-VISIT system)? |
4. | For each problem, is it due to not following or understanding the existing visa application guidelines and restrictions (such as not applying far enough ahead of time, failing to schedule a consular interview, providing incomplete applications, country-specific single entry reciprocity agreements), or is the problem a failure of the U.S. immigration system to follow its own policies? |
5. | What change, if any, do you feel we ought to advocate? |
Summary of problems reported:
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1. | Many people thanked us for doing this survey and carrying out the advocacy. (See details below.) |
2. | Some respondents requested anonymity and were afraid that they would be at risk from speaking out. |
3. | Many researchers reported they now avoid coming to the US even if they can due to past personal experience or the experiences of colleagues. |
4. | Many foreign researchers residing in the US avoid attending meetings outside the US and can’t easily visit family in their home countries for fear of difficulties and delays reentering the country. |
5. | Some speakers at conferences are no-shows due to visa problems. |
6. | Some reported a loss of money spent on airfare, hotel, and/or conference registration when visas did not come through. |
7. | It appears consular officials do not understand the science enough to make good decisions about security risks; incorrect assessments are made. |
8. | TAL security clearance causes repeated problems and delays, often resulting in missing the opportunity for attending a conference or research appointment. This is triggered by certain key words like “molecular biology” being considered high risk. In at least one case, outright rejection of the application was experienced with language suggesting the applicant was a potential spy or saboteur. |
9. | Several members encountered difficulty scheduling visa interviews, and/or had long waits of several weeks once scheduled. |
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10. | 221(e) problems: have to stay out of the US for 2 years. (“OPT period”) |
11. | Currently it is not possible to extend the J-1 visa from within the US, which poses the problems noted in #9 above for US based foreign researchers. |
12. | Specific reports of unnecessarily bad treatment at entry to US included the following: |
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13. | Denial of visa for scientist due to “lack of social ties” to country of residence, despite clear evidence of scientific employment there. |
14. | Reports of delays despite all documents being in order. |
15. | Passports held for weeks by consulate, making it impossible to travel or obtain other visas during that time. |
16. | Perceived arrogance and rude attitude of visa and immigration officials. |
17. | Because Europeans have to get a US visa for each visit, which discourages travel. |
18. | Requirement of IRS issued ITIN caused difficulty with ID check for a Canadian member. |
19. | Inability to transit through the US during travel between two other countries (transit visas are now necessary for all landings in the US) without going through the visa application and interview process. |
20. | Some members felt the length of time a visa is valid is too short and inconsistent between countries. |
Nationalities of respondents:
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Africa (unspecified country), Austria , Cameroon, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Pakistan, Europe (unspecified country), Germany, India, Iran, Nigeria, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Thailand, The Netherlands, UK, USA |
Recommendations from respondents:
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Appreciation expressed by respondents:
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Other important comments:
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