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U.S. Visas > Testimony of Stephen A. “Tony” Edson on U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Science and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, House Committee on Science and Technology
Stephen A. “Tony” Edson Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Service
"Thank you very much, Chairman Baird and members of the Committee, for allowing me the opportunity to give you an update on the status of the State Department’s visa policy and procedures for foreign students and scholars. My colleague, the Consular Bureau’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Janice Jacobs, has presented testimony in 2003 and 2004 on this same subject. I am happy to report that, while our commitment to security has not diminished, we have worked diligently to streamline the process to attract and bring the best and brightest foreign students and scholars to the United States. The Department is aware of the particular interest this Committee has with regard to these students, and we appreciate your support of our efforts to improve and expand visa services for students."