The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) raised alarm and swiftly worked to educate the general public on the harms of visa proposals announced on May 28 by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. His statement outlined plans to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including in critical fields.
This marks a dangerous shift in U.S. policy, one that risks undermining our global leadership in research and innovation. AASF has congregated leaders in public service and our prominent fellows to help us chart the course towards more nuanced and effective policies that strengthen our foundation and competitiveness in science and technology, while living up to our American values.
AASF’s response has resonated widely, with major national media amplifying the message:
- The Wall Street Journal in-depth reporting on how these proposed restrictions could threaten the financial and academic vitality of U.S. universities highlighted the perspective presented at our State of Play Town Hall by AASF Fellow Dr. Steven Kivelson, a professor at Stanford University. Read the article.
- NBC News featured AASF Executive Director Gisela Perez Kusakawa’s comments on the visa policy’s potential impact in a national story. Read the article.
- The Independent published AASF’s full statement in its coverage of the announcement. Read the article.
AASF urges policymakers and academic institutions to reject fear-driven restrictions and recommit to fairness, freedom, and excellence.
“This is a moment for courage. We thank every scholar, scientist, researcher, student, and ally who is speaking up. Your voice matters and it is being heard,.” said Kusakawa. “AASF is deeply grateful to the community of scholars, scientists, researchers, and students who continue to be an integral part of our American society, both through their critical contributions and their courageous commitment to democratic values.”
If you are a scholar, scientist, researcher, or student interested in sharing your perspective with the media, we encourage you to contact us at media@aasforum.org . The Asian American Scholar Forum has facilitated numerous interviews to ensure Asian American scholars have a voice in shaping the national conversation. Your insights are critical to advancing fairness, transparency, and the contributions of our community to science and technology in the United States.
ABOUT AASF
Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is a national nonprofit that promotes belonging, freedom, and equality for all. In response to heightened anti-Asian sentiments and profiling in the U.S., AASF has been a leading national voice fighting for the rights of Asian American and immigrant scientists, researchers, and scholars. AASF membership includes members from the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Science, and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, in addition to past and current university presidents, provosts, vice provosts, deans, associate deans, and past and current department chairs.
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