Physics Policy and Advocacy News: September 2018

Federal Budget, National Quantum Initiative, Student Visas

Video Summary

Physics Advocacy in Action

APS leadership has been going to the Hill to talk with Congressional offices about F1 student visas with a goal of making them “dual intent.”

Back in June, physics department chairs were the first to go to the Hill to discuss this possibility. APS began to investigate changes to student visa policy when it came to the Society’s attention that there has been a marked drop in international applications to U.S. physics Ph.D. programs. By making F1 visas “dual intent,” international students could express interest in becoming citizens, and that could help to encourage more international students to apply to U.S. programs.

Right now, policy states that international students on F1 visas have to prove that they will go back to their country of origin. The “dual intent” idea for F1 visas has bipartisan support in the Senate, and would require an amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

APS is working to raise awareness and support for this issue among key Senators. Read more about this effort »

Take Action Now

Tweet Your Senator or Representative

(Fill in the blank with their Twitter handle)

I urge _________ to help ensure the US leads in #Quantum Information Science by supporting the Nat’l Quantum Initiative S.3143 & adding a provision for DOE research. #QIS research via NSF, NIST, & DOE is essential! #voice4physics

The number of int'l STEM student apps to US PhD programs fell by 12% in 2018. Research shows each who enters workforce makes 2.62 American jobs. I urge _________ to amend INA to allow dual intent F1 visas so US science can benefit from US-educated graduates #voice4physics

Find members of Congress on Twitter »

Be the Signal Above the Noise

Email Greg Mack (mack@aps.org) to get involved.

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