Fix the Single-Entry Visa Policy for Iranian Students
The vast majority of Iranian students, many of whom have dreamed of studying in the United States for years, receive F-1 one-way visas. This means that Iranian students who come to the U.S. to study have to renew their vises every time they leave the country during the duration of their studies. Renewing a visa is often a lengthy process that can take up to a year, and there is no guarantee that their visas will be renewed.
Imagine not being able to attend your sister's wedding or your father's funeral because you are afraid that if you leave the United States, you will not be able to get back in. This is the unfortunate story of thousands of Iranians studying in the U.S.
President Obama said that the United States "...will sustain our commitment to a more hopeful future for the Iranian people. For instance, by increasing opportunities for educational exchanges so that Iranian students can come to our colleges and universities." What he left out is that they can't go home for years if they decide to come here. This is a policy that needs to be changed.
We the undersigned urge the Bureau of Consular Affairs to change the policy of giving F-1 visas to Iranian students. The United States used to pride itself on being a country that benefited all who lived here. Iranians and Iranian-Americans do not receive many of these benefits and are discriminated against because of the acts of the Iranian regime, which does not represent the people. U.S. Policy should seek to end these prejudices and do more to encourage Iranians to come to the United States, including easing immigration policies that worsen burdens for visa-seekers.
Thank you for taking the time and consideration to read this letter.
