penalty, since we lose and our economic competitors and our potential future competitors gain.

Although it is clear that earlier concerns about undue restrictions on the entry and activities of international students in U.S. research institutions have been allayed, the committee determined that ongoing oversight and policy changes are critical to ensure continued progress in this area. Regional meeting attendees told the committee that universities and the U.S. government should continue to encourage and welcome talented students and scholars from around the world. They noted that although progress has been made with respect to foreign students and scholars, much work is still needed on our policies and practices, which include encouraging the free movement of foreign students and scholars to scholarly/scientific conferences and meetings in the United States and elsewhere.

At the end of the committee’s deliberations, Congress began focusing on immigration reform. The Committee is encouraged by congressional efforts that give serious consideration to policies that govern the flow of foreign scientists and engineers into the United States, such as proposals that would ease restrictions on foreign students pursuing scientific and technical degrees. Efforts such as this—coupled with congressional action to implement the recommendations of Rising Above the Gathering Storm that would increase the number of U.S. students who earn science and engineering degrees—could help the United States maintain its leadership position in science and engineering.