On international students

For generations, immigrants have played a key role in shaping the character of the United States. Almost every facet of American life -- from food to scientific research -- has been influenced by foreign-born people who now call this country home, whether permanently or temporarily. ...

That sentiment has been squarely aimed at foreign students, in part because one of the terrorists was in the United States on a pending student visa application.

But visitors here who hold student visas represent fewer than 2 percent of the 30 million annual foreign visitors, yet they are the most scrutinized. ...

However, the rules aren't always well enforced. International program coordinators at local colleges say enforcement is the responsibility of Immigration and Naturalization Services -- an agency that has long been hampered by inefficiency and the conflict between its law enforcement and service roles. ...

... Obviously, it's essential that the federal government carefully screen those entering the country and do what's necessary to make our borders safe. But singling out legitimate students would be fatuous, and would diminish America in the long run.

-- The Tallahassee Democrat, Tallahassee, Florida.