FASEB Expresses Support for International Scholars

By: Jennifer Zeitzer
Thursday, May 8, 2025
FASEB recently issued a statement expressing deep concern about the administration’s recent actions affecting international scholars studying and working in the United States (U.S.). This included abruptly terminating visas for several thousand lawfully admitted students without cause or due process and failing to provide proper notification to the individual or their institution. Facing multiple lawsuits, the administration quickly changed course and reinstated visas for many of the affected individuals. However, press reports and information revealed during legal proceedings that took place immediately following the visa terminations indicated the administration drafted a new policy to evaluate the ability of foreign students to continue their studies in the U.S. To date, the new policy has not been formally announced. 

Data from the National Science Foundation (NSF) 2023 Survey of Earned Doctorates and the Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering 2022 demonstrate that approximately one-third of the current scientific graduate student population are temporary visa holders. Similarly, over half of all postdocs in science are non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents. NSF data from 2023 also indicate over 75 percent of all doctoral graduates in biological and biomedical sciences chose to remain in the U.S for subsequent employment in a postdoctoral position (65.8 percent), in industry (27.1 percent), or academia (3.6 percent). 

The NSF Science and Engineering Indicators 2019 report noted that faster growth is projected in science and engineering employment relative to overall employment through 2026, highlighting the continuing need for a diverse and highly trained STEM workforce and the importance of welcoming international scholars to work alongside their U.S colleagues. This sentiment was also expressed in the National Science Board Vision 2030 report, which stated, “to lead in science and engineering and remain globally competitive, the U.S must be a STEM talent powerhouse that uses a two-pronged strategy of expanding domestic talent while continuing to attract and retain global talent.”

In its statement, FASEB acknowledged appreciation for the contributions of international scholars in advancing scientific discovery. For decades, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars from around the world have played a critical role in the U.S. research enterprise. Foreign students are already subjected to extensive vetting processes before being granted a visa. FASEB strongly urged the administration to seek input from and meaningfully engage with stakeholders prior to developing and implementing any new policies related to the provision of visas for international scholars.