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Posted by Bohdan A. Oryshkevich on October 28, 2001 at 10:53:03:
In Reply to: latest news on visas? posted by Natalya on October 28, 2001 at 01:25:09:
There has been nothing specific about visa changes at this time in light of the September 11 events. American legislation and rules are generally very orderly and slow.
The system is decentralized. That is the local INS or education officer interprets the law as he/she sees fit. So legislation is one thing and interpretation and enforcement are another. I suspect that all officers have become stricter since September 11.
I would suspect that it will take six months or year for the new legislation to go into effect. What seems inevitable is the implementation of a computerized (smart) international student identity card which will track the international student. But at the other extreme there has been a call for suspension of international student visas for six months. That is not likely to happen.
I will try to keep people informed about this.
I would add that many of the terrorists who came here as tourists used anonymous aliases when inquiring about education. Ukrainian students wanting to study in the USA will have to learn to be transparent in order to adjust to the new realities in international education. As we say in America there is only one opportunity to make a first impression.
On your first writing your inquiry should include your name, address, telephone, and your field of study or educational experience. I am immediately suspicious of a person who is not willing to give his name or address or telephone as a first impulse.
Bohdan Oryshkevich
usa.usa@attglobal.net