I came across this article today which I thought was interesting:

Americans don't do science by Fareed Zakaria

The thrust of the article is that for some time, a huge chunk of sceintific research in the USA has been carried out by foreign students. And that many of the people leading the charge towards democracy and free market reforms in countries around the world learned their craft in American Universities.

But the Visa system has become, perhaps understandably, very suspicious of foreign students, and is becoming a deterrant to such students wanting to come to the USA.

The article ends with


My questions for debate are:
Is this article a fair representation of current visa policy?
Assume that it is - what are the implications for America's position as a world scientific and technical power?
Is the quoted trade-off between an Atta and a Gates a worthwhile or shortsighted transaction?
What should Condoleeza Rice do about such "desirable" immigration, if anything?

This is a perfect example of why I support immigration. This is one of those topics that Democrats and Republicans scorn the administration for not closing the borders enough. It is an accurate representation of the current visa policy though that is just a natural reaction to 9/11.

Is this article a fair representation of current visa policy?

Yes.

Assume that it is - what are the implications for America's position as a world scientific and technical power?

It will certianly have a negative impact but the article tends to overblow the real impact. It states "The dirty little secret about America's scientific edge is that it's largely produced by foreigners and immigrants" when the stat's say that it's :

38 percent of doctorate holders in America's science and engineering work force are foreign-born

Foreigners make up more than half the students enrolled in science and engineering programs.

So the majority that graduate with a doctorate are still home grown.

Is the quoted trade-off between an Atta and a Gates a worthwhile or shortsighted transaction?

It certianly slants it to seem like it's unoviodable but the possibility is real.

What should Condoleeza Rice do about such "desirable" immigration, if anything?

What NEEDS to be done is to pass the presidents immigration plan.
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