PRESS RELEASES
Remarks by:
U.S. Ambasssador to Lebanon Jeffrey D. Feltman
Opening of U.S. University Fair
As Delivered by Deputy Chief of Mission
Christopher W. Murray
Monday, February 21, 2005
Movenpick Hotel - 5:00 p.m.
21 February 2005
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you this evening to the opening
of the U.S. University Fair. I'm here to tell Lebanese students
that America's more than 3,500 colleges and universities are eager
to have Lebanese students on their campuses. This evening and tomorrow,
we welcome students and their families to meet-free of charge-representatives
of 18 U.S. universities to learn more about studying in the United
States.
The United States is proud of its world-class colleges and universities,
and the 18 institutions represented here this evening reflect the
diversity of educational options available in the U.S. They include
big public universities and small private colleges; some are located
in large cities, others in small towns or rural areas. Between them,
the institutions here offer hundreds of diverse degree program options.
And they all want Lebanese students to study with them.
Studying in the U.S. offers many advantages and America is justly
proud of its excellent educational institutions. Lebanese students
studying in the U.S. will benefit from the most modern and up-to-date
facilities, including well-equipped laboratories, huge inter-linked
university libraries and cutting edge information technology systems.
Student life in America is dynamic, with a wide range of extra-curricular
activities on campus and off, housing options to meet a variety
of requirements and strong support services for international students.
Lebanese students who graduate from a U.S. educational institution
earn a degree that means something: It means they have received
an education that prepares them to adapt to a lifetime of challenges
and change. The skills U.S. graduates acquire won't be out of date
the moment they pick up their diploma. An American. education includes
a broad general knowledge base alongside specialized studies. Our
education system emphasizes life long learning and inquiry with
an emphasis on independent thinking, intellectual integrity and
interdisciplinary study.
But there is something more that the 572,000 international students
currently studying in the United States gain as well-and that is
genuine insight into America and Americans. That's not to say they
like everything they experience in the United States or that they
agree with all U.S. foreign policy. But living in the U.S. offers
the possibility of forming an independent opinion based on first
hand experience.
Ten years ago, I might not have had to make this pitch to Lebanese
students to choose the U.S. to pursue their education. The strong
ties between the Lebanese and American peoples have historically
meant that a steady flow of Lebanese talent enters America's best
colleges and universities. But in the last few years these numbers
have declined and we are concerned. America-its people and institutions-are
enriched by the presence of foreign students in our country. When
those students aren't there we miss out on opportunities to exchange
ideas, share experiences and develop relationships.
I fear that two misperceptions about studying in the U.S. may have
contributed to the decline in the number of Lebanese students in
the U.S.: That Lebanese students aren't able to get a visa; and
that Arabs-particularly Muslims-aren't welcome in the U.S. I'd like
to address these misperceptions-and reassure you on both counts.
On visas: There is no question that the U.S. has become more careful
to ensure the security of its people since the attacks on 9/11.
We have implemented new measures to make our borders more secure
and our country safer. However, our basic criteria for visa eligibility
for visits or study have not changed and we continue to welcome
millions of visitors every year. Over the last year, we have made
the process of acquiring student visas both more secure and more
efficient. The clearance time for visa applications has been considerably
reduced. In fact, most of our applicants receive their visas on
the same day they apply. We urge students to come in as soon as
they receive their I-20s; next day appointments are usually available.
The second misperception may be concern by both students and their
families about how Arabs and Muslims are received in the United
States. Let me be very clear on this point: America continues to
welcome Arabs and Muslims and we believe that our country is greatly
strengthened by our Muslim-American and Arab-American communities.
During an iftar President Bush held at the White House during Ramadan,
he underscored the essence of our American society to his invitees,
telling them, "We strive for a welcoming society that honors
the life and faith of every person. We will always protect the most
basic human freedom-the freedom to worship the Almighty God without
any fear."
International students of all faiths are welcome in American college
and universities. Muslim and Arab students will often find active
student organizations ready to assist them and involve them in their
social and religious activities. Furthermore, American students
are eager to learn about the history and politics of the Middle
East, and about the ethnic and religious diversity of the region.
Arabic classes are equally in demand. Lebanese students in the U.S.
will be their country's best ambassadors educating their classmates
and colleagues about the rich traditions and diversity in their
own country.
I hope I have given you some strong reasons to give an American
education serious consideration. Let me thank the American university
and college representatives for putting Beirut back on the map for
U.S. university recruiters-and for helping me persuade you that
the welcome mat to America is out for Lebanese students. Thanks
also to the U.S. Educational Group and AMIDEAST for organizing this
forum to showcase the diversity and excellence of American educational
institutions.
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