"Over the past few years, we have been working hard to reverse the negative trend related to travel. We are trying to actively attract foreign students," Harty noted. At the conclusion of International Education Week, held jointly by the State Department and the U.S. Department of Education, Harty stated that "the best advertisement for America is America itself." According to her, admitting foreign students into the country is a matter of national security because those who come to study are potential friends, allies, and business partners of the United States.
"Having come to America, students learn our culture, our people, our educational institutions. They see the free lifestyle on American college campuses. They have the opportunity to reassess their views and learn a lot about American society," said Maura Harty. According to the State Department, more than 200 alumni of American exchange programs have become heads of foreign states or influential leaders in their own countries. These include the presidents of Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines, and former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
Harty agreed that in the period immediately after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the visa application process in the United States became more burdensome. However, she noted that the "horror stories" about endless lines for name checks are a thing of the past. About 97% of people whose applications are approved receive visas within two to three days.
According to Harty, the State Department has also made efforts to clarify the visa process. The U.S. government and each U.S. embassy have special websites with information about what documents are required, how to schedule an interview appointment in advance, and what to expect from the conversation with a consular officer. In many countries, students can schedule interviews online and are usually given priority. "We will not allow a student to miss the first day of classes because an appointment could not be scheduled in time," Maura Harty declared.
To obtain a student visa, three things must be proven. First, that the person is indeed a student enrolled at an American college or university. Second, that he or she has sufficient funds to pay for the first year of study. Third, that he or she intends to return home after completing studies. "The applicant must explain why he wants to study in America and how he plans to apply the knowledge upon returning to his country," says Maura Harty. She also noted that an applicant who has been repeatedly denied a visa should pay attention to what was discussed during the visa interviews and, before reapplying, consider whether his circumstances have changed. She emphasized that consular officers do not look for reasons to deny a visa. "Do not worry," she advised students preparing for an interview. "They are not trying to catch you on something. Nobody is looking for an excuse to refuse. We are looking for ways to facilitate travel to the United States for as many people as possible who are coming legally."
Maura Harty, who recently visited Egypt, Jordan, and Israel for meetings with prospective students and their parents, sought to convey the following: "We are ready to welcome you. If you haven't approached us for a while, try again. You will like us. America is open to you and your ideas, and we welcome any legal travel to our country."