Some Arab businesspeople are invited to New York City for a special meeting designed to build international trust. They arrive at John F. Kennedy Airport anticipating a productive stay in the United States. Instead, they're taken aside and grilled for hours by Department of Homeland Security officials before being released–angry and humiliated.
The recent incident wasn't unique. Since 9/11, security designed to keep America safe has made it difficult for some visitors to enter the United States.
A new committee operated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State is charged with changing that – and Carnegie Mellon President Jared Cohon has been named chair. The Secure Borders and Open Doors Advisory Committee (SBODAC) will consider ways to create a new balance between security and hospitality.
It's a significant issue. For example, difficulties in obtaining visas are shrinking the U.S. share of international students, who contribute to the American economy and leadership in science and technology. Additionally, the National Foreign Trade Council says U.S. companies have lost billions of dollars because of delays and denials in processing business visas. Also, tourism in to the United States is declining.
Among the possible solutions SBODAC will consider are new uses of technology–for instance, visa interviews via videoconferencing rather than in person and electronic passports rather than the traditional paper versions. The committee, which includes experts from academia, business, tourism, health, and media, also is expected to recommend new rules for academic study in the United States.
