World Education Services Applauds Biden-Harris Administration’s Commitment to Welcoming International Students
NEW YORK, NY—(July 27, 2021) Yesterday, the United States Departments of Education and State issued a Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education outlining the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to restoring the role of the U.S. as a global leader in international education. The following is a statement by Esther Benjamin, Executive Director and CEO of World Education Services (WES).
“WES commends the administration’s renewed focus on welcoming international students to the U.S.
“Earlier this year, we offered recommendations to the incoming administration on how to revive the reputation of the U.S. as the leading destination for international students. International students are vital contributors to the U.S.—they create jobs, drive innovation, and enrich our campuses and communities.
“WES urges the U.S. Departments of Education and State to implement the following measures to restore and strengthen U.S. leadership on international education:
- Improve the visa process for international students by ensuring timely and transparent adjudications
- Remove restrictions to ensure that international students can gain practical experience
- Work with Congress to extend pathways for eligible international students to remain in the U.S.
- Grant Special Student Relief to international students facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
“WES looks forward to engaging with the Biden-Harris administration to identify policies and practices that recognize and value the contributions of international students.”
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About World Education Services (WES)
World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. For more than 45 years, WES has set the standard of excellence in the field of international academic credential evaluation. Through WES Global Talent Bridge, the organization joins with institutional partners, community-based organizations, and policymakers to help immigrants and refugees who hold international credentials fully utilize their talents and education to achieve their academic and professional goals. Its philanthropic arm, the WES Mariam Assefa Fund, supports catalytic leaders and organizations working to build inclusive economies and to ensure that immigrants and refugees can achieve their aspirations and thrive.