In light of recent events in New York and Washington, federal officials have begun collecting information on individuals across the United States. Students from approximately 280 colleges and universities—including RPI—are being scrutinized. RPI has already filled at least one request from authorities to turn over student education records.
While sound and careful judgement is required in these situations, under the circumstances the actions may be warranted.
However, we find another government proposal under discussion all the more disturbing—the temporary revocation of all educational visas. Such an action would reach far beyond the disruption of the educational process—it will also have an impact on roommates, classmates, and group members.
While teaching assistants and research assistants are not irreplaceable, removing them mid-semester would seriously disrupt the class or research in question. In some cases, grants could be lost or not renewed if that student is unable to continue. If these students are working in a lab, their work may have to be stopped. The forced break in their research at a key point could prevent projects from being completed at all.
By all means, individuals that could be a danger to the nation should be investigated, and action taken when and where appropriate. If it is felt that the process by which visas are issued is no longer stringent enough, a review of that process is certainly in order.
Bringing the education of so many international students across the country to a screeching—and perhaps permanent—halt is a draconian measure that should be avoided at all costs.
