OPINION & EDITORIAL
SEVIS not over the line
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Also by Badger Herald Editorial Board:
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- Sevis a burden, not a solution (April 24, 2003)
- A block at the gate (August 29, 2003)
- Letters to the Editor (September 27, 2004)
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by Badger Herald Editorial Board
Thursday, September 11, 2003
Since Sept. 11, 2001, many within our community have accused the Bush administration, and more specifically Attorney General John Ashcroft, of using this tragic event as a justification for “shredding up the Bill of Rights.” On the UW campus, the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) has been one of the primary targets of such attacks. Initially, we too shared this skepticism. But many students are missing the point, contributing to a discourse of kneejerk reactions.
Students across the nation are speaking out in opposition to SEVIS, the national computerized database established to track international students. In response to SEVIS, the Associated Students of the University of California passed a resolution opposing implementation of the system because the measures “curtail civil liberties” and lead to “governmental racial profiling of students.”
Jeff Pertl, president of United Council of UW Students, said, “There are legitimate concerns out there, but SEVIS is one part of a new security system that is becoming much more hostile.”
Critics of SEVIS concerned that the collection of information violates civil liberties should closely examine the information actually being collected before rushing to judgment. Contrary to popular belief, Attorney General John Ashcroft will not be sending the FBI to tap your phone lines.
The information universities are required to collect and enter into the SEVIS database includes the individual’s identity, address, nonimmigrant classification status, academic status (full-time or exchange), whether the student is fulfilling academic requirements, university actions as a result of criminal conviction, date of port entry, date of enrollment, degree program, field of study and date and reason for termination from the university.
This process and the information collected is hardly a violation of an individual’s civil liberties. Should any one apply for a government position or security-sensitive job, they would undoubtedly be asked to provide information at least this detailed — and, in most cases, they would be asked to provide significantly more information. The goal of SEVIS is simply to maintain accurate and up-to-date records on international students in an attempt to improve national security, not constrict basic freedoms.
Those distressed by SEVIS should keep in mind that three of the 19 hijackers instrumental in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were granted student visas. This includes the two individuals who, due to an INS clerical error, were granted student visas nearly six months after the attacks. SEVIS is a program specifically designed to provide a tool to prevent such errors.
The legitimate and necessary goal of improving national security has failed to deter university students and administrators from balking at the federal regulations behind SEVIS. Before students rush to judgment about possible violations of civil liberties, they should study the issue. SEVIS does not go over the line.
