As presidents of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Academy of Medicine, we are grateful that the Trump administration recently reinstated more than a thousand international student visas. We urge the administration to maintain a welcoming and stable environment for international students enrolled in America's colleges and universities. By attracting the very best and brightest students from not only the U.S., but from across the globe, our nation secures the top talent to fuel innovation, build entire new industries, and create well-paying jobs for Americans.

Although the recent reinstatement of international student visas is welcome, we fear that ongoing uncertainty about the status of such visas will discourage top students from coming to America. This would be unfortunate given the competitive advantage that the U.S. has long enjoyed by attracting the best talent from around the world. Further, American students benefit from building relationships and ultimately businesses with international students. We hope that the benefit international students provide to America's robust economy is preserved and protected.

Marcia McNutt
President, National Academy of Sciences

John L. Anderson
President, National Academy of Engineering

Victor J. Dzau
President, National Academy of Medicine