Speeches

Remarks at Opening of U.S. University Fair

Feb. 21, 2006

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 6,500 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 The skills U.S. graduates acquire won't be out of date the moment they pick up their diploma.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.