WASHINGTON, D.C.- As part of the ongoing effort to enhance the
United
States' Homeland Security, the Justice Department is proposing a
new rule to
implement significant changes in the means by which information
about
foreign students and exchange visitors is retained and reported.
The proposed rule will implement the usage of the Student and
Exchange
Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is an internet-based
system
providing the government, educational institutions and exchange
programs an
automated means to exchange timely information about foreign
students,
exchange visitors and their dependents. The rule will specify
that schools
use SEVIS to issue documentation to students and report pertinent
information to INS.
"In making these reforms, we remain committed to
welcoming and accommodating
those who come to America to study in our universities,"
said Attorney
General John Ashcroft. "Allowing foreign students to
study here is one of
the ways we convey our love of freedom to foreign students who
will one day
return to their countries and take on leadership positions.
However, we can
no longer allow our hospitality to be abused."
The new regulations will require schools to collect and report
information
on foreign students to the INS. The data that must be reported
includes:
A student's enrollment at the school;
- The start date of the student's next term or session;
- A student's failure to enroll;
- A student dropping below a full course of study without prior
authorization;
- Any other failure to maintain status or complete the program;
- A change of the student's or dependent's legal name or
address;
- Any disciplinary action taken by the school against the
student as a result of the
student being convicted of a crime; and
- A student's graduation prior to the program end date listed on
the Form.
INS plans to begin implementation of SEVIS on a voluntary basis
with
institutions of learning on July 1, 2002. Under the proposed
rule,
participation will become mandatory by January 30, 2003.
SEVIS will require schools and exchange programs to transmit
electronic
information, via the Internet, to the INS and the State
Department
throughout a student's or exchange visitor's stay in the United
States.
"Implementation of the Student and Exchange Visitor
Information System is an
invaluable asset enabling INS to better control and manage
those foreign
students and exchange visitors who wish to continue their
educations in the
United States," said INS Commissioner James Ziglar.
"SEVIS allows
educational institutions and INS to strengthen our partnership
by utilizing
modern technology to speed the flow and increase the accuracy
of the
information we share."
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02-281
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2002/May/02_ag_281.htm
