FOR foreign science students hoping to study or work in the US, these are frustrating times. Since 9/11, Washington has increased its scrutiny of all those applying for US visas, but especially of scientists and engineers.
In principle there is nothing wrong with this policy. The government needs to take steps that will keep out potential attackers, and to ensure that students will not go home and use the knowledge they have gained to build a weapon for a terrorist organisation. Unfortunately, the clearance process has become so cumbersome and uncertain that legitimate students and researchers are being turned away…
