Leading US-based academic and professional organisations, including the National Academy of Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, are calling upon the Bush administration to ease the entry of foreign scientist into the United States.

The group cites six key problems in the current visa system, which they say give the impression that the United States does not welcome international students and scientists. They propose solutions, which they claim will not compromise national security, to each of these obstacles.

Meanwhile, State Department officials say they are already heading in that direction by implementing a range of initiatives to streamline the entry process for foreign scientists.

Link to full news story in Science

Link to Statement and Recommendations on Visa Problems Harming America's Scientific, Economic, and Security Interests

Reference: Science 304, 943 (2004)