Management of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System - Essay Example

Foreign in U.S. colleges and universities should be required to pass the same required English and literature s as native English speakers and U.S. citizens.Many of these foreign students find these requirements difficult. They argue that they plan to return to their native lands, and therefore should not face what they see as rigid and unnecessary requirements.But what about the difficulties caused by the foreign students themselves Their arrival poses certain problems for governmental entities, taxpayers, and even for the colleges and universities these students wish to attend.

Management of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)Schools have reported issues with SEVIS in the form of discrepancies between information received from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding SEVIS operations and requirements. The lack of consistent information and guidance has reportedly led to some frustration.Technical Support Schools have reported technical difficulties operating SEVIS, and noted that to circumvent some of the technical problems, they need to create incorrect records.

Other concerns have been expressed about the fact that SEVIS system information is kept by record number and not names. Some students have more than one record and this can make it difficult to update the database.Reporting BurdensAdditionally, some contend that SEVIS has placed an added burden on schools, as they are now responsible for noting in the SEVIS system changes of those accompanying the students such as spouses and children. They are required to report on people who are not enrolled in their institutions.

Schools are required to note in SEVIS when a student has entered the country, but has not shown up for classes. Thus, schools are supposed to be notified when a student enters at a port of entry, but, reportedly, this does not always happen.As a result, schools are worried about sanctions that may be applied if they do not report a student who failed to attend classes, and who the school was unaware had entered the country.Follow-up on OverstaysThrough SEVIS, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) should be able to identify students who have violated the terms of their visas; however, some have questioned whether DHS has the staff to locate all student visa violators, and whether it is a beneficial use of DHS resources to do so.

There are also concerns that SEVIS errors will lead to unwarranted enforcement action taken against innocent students.Fee CollectionConcerns have been raised about the fact that immigration services are supported by fees, not by appropriations, and that the foreign students, not the taxpayers, should be responsible for funding SEVIS.SummaryStudying in the United States is a choice. Studying in the United States also is a privilege and with that privilege comes certain requirements, including English and literature.

Many native English speakers and U.S. citizens have difficulty with these courses, yet they are still required to pass them. International students should not be treated differently than others are. They should be given the same privileges, the same rightsand they should be treated with the same expectations.In conclusion, if foreign students wish to study in America, they need to be ready to pass the same courses as American students. Works CitedEducause Transforming Education Through Information Technologies.

12 May 2006. Educause. 05 December 2006. www.educause.edu/issues/sevis.html.U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 05 December 2006. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. .