"Failing Foreigners" (Newsweek)

[matroid]

I hope it's not offtopic here. If it is, Erin, will you transfer it to the GRE Argument Topic?

"For the first time in more than three decades, foreign enrollment in U.S. higher-ed institutions decreased last year. [...] The study blames the 2.4 percent drop on problems getting visas, rising tuition, stronger recruitment by foreign universities and perceptions that international students may not be welcome. [...] The stakes are high for U.S. schools. [...] Government officials are now trying to spread the message that no foreign student should be left behind. [...] Assistant secretary of State for consular affairs wrote, `The loss of even one qualified student to another nation is one too many.' "

What do you think about this? International and domestic students are all welcome.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6471866/site/newsweek/
(Nov. 22 issue)

[Tino]

One thing I have noticed is that many students are not even applying for student visas to the US because they assume they will be denied! I have heard a lot of Koreans saying this, for example. They are saying that it is too hard to get the visa for the US now.

BUT, I contacted the US embassy in Seoul and they told me over 90% of all visa applications are approved. In fact, more approvals in 2004 than 2003!!!

So in many cases it is a misconception, but still... if people think it, even if it is not true, then less students will apply.

Tino

[Anandha]

It is very true that the number of visa approval had improved in many countries. It is sad there are so much misconception among the general public about visa issuance to USA.