Resolution SR 1036: In Support of Re-Entry Visas for Iranian Students and Scholars in US

Agenda Item: In Support of Re-Entry Visas for Iranian Students and Scholars in US Date: 08/09/10
Sponsors: Erika Denise Edwards Graduate Senator, Rachel Emas Graduate Senator, T.J. Liguori Graduate Senator, Aman Muqeet Graduate Senator, Alex Barrio Law Senator, Dillon Arango Medical Senator

In Support of Re-Entry Visas for Iranian Students and Scholars in US

WHEREAS, The mission statement of the Student Government Council and its elected Senators and Members, states that we are “committed to providing and improving the overall student experience,” and “fostering student life, encouraging community involvement, and serving the common interest of the students,”

WHEREAS, Iranian students represent a considerable demographic in the United States and one of the major international student bodies in our institutions of higher education;

WHEREAS, Throughout the years they have had a significant impact on scientific growth of respective departments through numerous publications in scientific journals and international conferences;

WHEREAS, The Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act (S.3454) will require the White House to evaluate and report how the U.S. can increase educational exchanges with Iranian students and expand the number and types of visas available for Iranians to study in the U.S. The visa language in the Defense Authorization Act is part of an Iran Engagement Report (Section 1234), which the President will submit to Congress by January 31, 2011;

WHEREAS, Florida International University’s Quality Enhancement Plan is based upon Global Learning for Global Citizenship which will enable students to act as engaged global citizens and prides itself in having a large and diverse international student body;

WHEREAS, Florida International University has 47 Iranian students and Iran is one of top ten countries where international students hail from;

WHEREAS, The Single-entry visa policy of the United States towards Iranian students has prevented them from leaving the U.S. in case of family emergency or when attending international conferences. As a result they suffer prolonged separation from their families during the long course of studies particularly in PhD programs;

WHEREAS, Iranian students need to go through a long administrative procedure without any guarantee they will receive a new visa for re-entry upon leaving the country. In case of visa approval, the student must wait for further administrative processing which can take a long process. This interruption amid the course of studies can be of detrimental consequence to any student as well as their affiliated research labs and academic advisors.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, We the Student Body of Florida International University support the facilitation of re-entry conditions for Iranian students. We are certain that our international colleagues’ improved life condition will greatly benefit them as well as our institution, while entitling them to the same rights as our other international students. We further direct the Clerk of the Council to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to The Honorable Janice Jacobs Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs of the Department of State.

In favor: 21; Opposed: 0; Abstentions: 0; Status: Signed