This was the first overall yeartoyear decline in the number of international students since the 19711972 school year. It appears. Mr. Chairman. that much of the problem stems from negative misperceptions by potential foreign students about new U.S. visa processes and fears that the United States has become a less friendly place for them to study. Mr. Chairman. my amendment seeks to address this problem by encouraging the Department of State to work with the U.S. educational and academic community and with other Federal agencies to develop effective practices aimed at reversing these negative perceptions so that we may once again reestablish our competitive position as the choice destination for the worlds best and brightest international students.