I would also add that here in America we are granted freedom of expression. Doesn’t that right also apply to tourists, workers and students that are guests in our country?
Because we may give financial assistance to foreign students doesn’t mean that those students are required to agree with foreign policies. I don’t believe that financial assistance necessitate the beneficiary even like Americans.
That said…I think we often understand that Anti-American views signify dislike for all Americans. Majority of “Anti-ness” in reality is angst toward our government and its foreign policies.
We ourselves don’t always agree on government policies…look at the differences in political parties.
We as imperfect human beings often take offense to words we view as negative judgement for our country and its people, we react as if a personal condemnation.
“Doesn’t that right also apply to tourists, workers and students that are guests in our country?”
Yes, we give this freedom to visitors. Americans also have freedoms. We are free to close out borders, and we are free to give LESS money to help those whose free speech we do not like! Freedom of speech DOES NOT mean that those hearing the free speech will not be offended, and perhaps take action, as is their right as citizens. That is why visitors would be well advised to think about the full consequences of their words and actions.
Lest we overestimate the importance of students from Islamic countries, here is the breakdown of who is actually attending our Universties. Notice anything?
International students come from over 220 countries. The top three countries of origin are all Asian – Japan, South Korea, and China.
United States universities, colleges, vocational schools, and primary and secondary schools attract foreign students and exchange visitors from all over the world. In FY 2002, the US admitted students from approximately 220 countries. The top 20 countries were: Japan, Korea, China (including Taiwan), India, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Canada, Poland, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, Spain, Colombia, Thailand, Italy, Venezuela, Australia, and Ireland. Admissions from these countries represented 68 percent of all admissions in FY 2002.
Other than Turkey, and perhaps Indian Muslims, there is not a single Islamic country in the top 20. This study was done in 2002, it has to be even harder to get a student visa today if you are from a Muslim country. So those of you who think the US is DEPENDENT on foreign students should aks yourself precisely what countries we depend upon…
Frankly I believe that Americas future is in the Far East, and Latin America. I am more than happy to let in students, and students from India, China and Japan pose very little risk to our country, and they are generally very appreciative and integrate well. Latin America is in our own back yard, and we should focus there on improving educational opportunities. With the dollar being very low, an American education is far more affordable than ever. Plenty will come.
taller? Are you sure about that...I mean look the famous jewish people...Ben Stiller...not tall, Areil Sharon..Fat and not tall and the list of all the Jews in whithouse UTD keeps touting about, Ibet they are all 5'6" to 5'8".
IMHO to deny study funds because of negative opinion is our loss. Baring the very small percentage that would do us harm...we lose the opportunity that they may return to the home country with an enlightend perception.