According to an article on scoop.co.nz: “In 2007, the Department of State issued a record number of student and exchange visitor visas — more than 600,000 — greater than 10 percent more than last year. The numbers are proof of the success of the U.S. government’s effort to reverse the drop in student and other visa applications after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Maura Harty told USINFO.”
If our laws allowed more of these students to remain in the US and contribute to our economy after their graduation it would be a win-win situation. The US would be more competitive on the global stage and the best and brightest could pursue the American dream.
