Immigration Plans May Hurt University

Congressional attempts to stem the flow of immigrants into this country could restrict the number of foreign scholars at the University of Idaho, a school official cautions.

John Cooper, international student-scholar coordinator, said proposals before lawmakers could put a crimp in the university’s research and ability to attract scholars.

Idaho had 36 foreign scholars on campus last year. Cooper said the number has been as high as 60.

Most of them come into the country on temporary visas for specialty occupations, or H-1 visas. Cooper said the current immigration laws allow for 65,000 visas each year in that category.

Both the H-1 visa and the J-visa, the other option for visiting scholars, are non-immigrant. But the H-1 is a doorway for many people seeking immigrant status, Cooper said.

Cooper said he thinks the bills are more directed at commercial establishments. But Idaho and most other research institutions rely on the talents of people from overseas.