As presidents of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Academy of Medicine, we are grateful that the Trump administration recently reinstated more than a thousand international student visas. We urge the administration to maintain a welcoming and stable environment for international students enrolled in America’s colleges and universities. By attracting the very best and brightest students from not only the U.S., but from across the globe, our nation secures the top talent to fuel innovation, build entire new industries, and create well-paying jobs for Americans.  

A 2016 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that highly educated immigrants generate valuable innovations and productivity, and that without their contributions, prospects for U.S. long-term economic growth would be considerably dimmed. Forty-three percent of America’s Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children, and the CEOs of Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Google are all immigrants who came to the U.S. for their education. Among the U.S. members of our own Academies, more than 30% are immigrants who became citizens.  

Although the recent reinstatement of international student visas is welcome, we fear that ongoing uncertainty about the status of such visas will discourage top students from coming to America. This would be unfortunate given the competitive advantage that the U.S. has long enjoyed by attracting the best talent from around the world. Further, American students benefit from building relationships and ultimately businesses with international students. We hope that the benefit international students provide to America’s robust economy is preserved and protected.

Marcia McNutt
President, National Academy of Sciences   

John L. Anderson
President, National Academy of Engineering   

Victor J. Dzau
President, National Academy of Medicine