While security concerns have made it harder for foreigners to enter the United States to study over the past four years, the current number of both undergraduate and graduate students at Johns Hopkins from foreign countries has remained constant.
A survey of 480 diverse universities conducted in November of 2004 by the NAFSA Association of International Educators found that problems with visa issuance are down significantly, as well as the amount of international students applying to and attending U.S. universities.
While undergraduate numbers tended to stay fairly constant in terms of matriculation, half of all graduate schools reported a decline in new international student enrollments.
"Our numbers have not dramatically decreased in terms of both undergraduate and graduate students," said Dr. Nicholas Arindell, director of the office of international student and scholars services.
Pamela Cranston, assistant provost for academic affairs, expressed similar sentiment, that is government restrictions on student visas have affected instituions of higher education nationally, but not Hopkins specifically.
"Although the numbers nationally are down overall for international students, Hopkins has not experienced a decrease in enrollment over the past few years," Cranston said.
One reason that the numbers have not decreased substantially, according to Arindell, is that Hopkins "offers a broader spectrum of academic programs" than many universities. He believes that there could be a decrease in individual concentrations, such as the sciences, which have been made up by a higher number of foreign students enrolled in other areas.
The Homeland Security Act, designed to protect Americans from terrorism, has made it much more difficult for foreigners -- including those entering for graduate study -- to get a visa to study in the United States.
President William Brody released a statement on April 1, 2004 detailing the problems that foreigners face in entering the country.
Although acknowledging "the need for security is of the highest concern," Brody felt that "some of these changes have discouraged desirable and responsible students from attending schools in the United States."
The statement then expressed the University's hope that better regulation and consistency in visa issuance, advance notice from the Department of Homeland Security in terms of policy changes, and changes in the policy of "status unclassified" research would emerge.
Cranston reaffirmed that Hopkins continues to be concerned and monitor "the situation in the Department of Homeland Security."
Although numbers aren't down, that doesn't mean that there has been an absence of problems, according to Arindell.
A Johns Hopkins student was deported last year due to problems with the INS and not the Homeland Security Department. Many of the problems, according to Arindell, occur with students in specific departments.
"We have had difficulty in designated areas, such as biology, the hard sciences and anything nuclear," Arindell said. "Individuals are under more scrutiny with these concentrations."
Foreigners from specific countries, particularly Asia and the Middle East, also have a tougher time gaining entrance into the United States.
"The Department of Homeland Security," said Arindell, "has stated openly that applicants from the Middle Eastern region require more scrutiny and a longer process."
"Hopkins strives for excellence in both students and faculty, and we want the best in the world. Security restrictions make this a problem," Cranston said.
Individuals who have been granted access to the United States may take offense at the Department's policies, which include fingerprinting and other forms of biometrical marking.
"Offending the best and brightest individuals in the world does a disservice to education," Arindell said.
According to Sophomore Hanano Watanabe, a native of Tokyo, Japan, "getting a visa was fairly easy."
Veli Petkova sophomore from Bulgaria, said that although she too had little difficultly in applying as an international student, it is often difficult for others.
"From an east European perspective, it's very difficult to come here. The American embassies are often very strict with student quotas," Petkova said.
Internationals who are either unable or unwilling to attend American universities have found a variety of other countries more hospitable.
"The Australians in particular," said Arindell, "have effectively marketed their higher education programs; and have become the leading English-speaking country to have internationals." Universities in Canada and New Zealand also provide an alternative for foreigners.
To encourage more international students, Arindell believes that "American institutions need to step up their marketing platforms to encourage people to attend."
"What we're experiencing here at Hopkins isn't any different than the rest of the United States. We must encourage an international policy in our national education, and encourage our students to have a global exchange."
Both Arindell and Cranston stated that Hopkins continues to work with national organizations on the issues of international students, with the ultimate goal being, Arindell said, "to make entry easier for people we consider important to the global enterprise of education."
And as Cranston stated, "We are working with our peer institutions through national associations to allow international exchange, while at the same time protecting the security of the United States."
