INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND VISITING SCHOLARS: TRENDS, BARRIERS, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES AND U.S. FOREIGN POLICY.  Joint Hearing, Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Education and Labor , U.S. House of Representatives.  June 29, 2007.

International students and scholars strengthen the U.S. economy by bringing in their dollars and their creativity.  They also gain skills that allow them to confront poverty and promote economic growth in their home countries that in turn creates political stability and increases opportunities for trade and investment for the U.S.   Additionally, students from other countries create familiarity and bonds of mutual respect.  Under Secretary of State Karen Hughes testified that “having foreign students at American universities is one of the most powerful tools we have in our arsenal of public diplomacy.” 

This hearing discusses some of the difficulties international students have encountered since 9/11.

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IS THE BROKEN BRANCH ON THE MEND? AN EARLY REPORT ON THE 110TH CONGRESS.  Sarah A. Binder, Thomas E. Mann and Molly Reynolds.  Brookings Institution.  Web posted September 4, 2007.

This is the first of a series of reports that will assess Congressional performance from the Broken Branch on the Mend Project.  The Democratic-controlled Congress recessed in August touting its accomplishments while the Republicans complained of its autocratic leadership.  According to a recent Gallup poll, however, the public gave Congress only an 18% approval rating.  Deep ideological differences remain between the two parties and a narrow majority in the House and Senate will frustrate Democratic ambitions, but the 110th Congress “bears little resemblance to its predecessor.  Elections do make a difference.”

[Note:  Contains copyrighted material.] 

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KEY INDICATORS OF THE LABOUR MARKET (KILM).  International Labour Organization (ILO).  Web posted September 2, 2007.

According to this report, productivity levels have increased worldwide over the last ten years.  The U.S. leads the world in labor productivity per person, and the productivity gap between the U.S. and most other developed economies continues to widen.  In South-East Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific, productivity levels are seven to eight times less than industrialized countries; in the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, productivity levels are three times less; in Central and South Eastern Europe and CIS countries, levels are 3.5 times less; levels are 4 times less in North Africa; and sub-Saharan Africa workers are one-twelfth as productive as workers in industrial countries.

[Note:  Contains copyrighted material.] 

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MINORITIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION: TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL STATUS REPORT: 2007 SUPPLEMENT.  Bryan J. Cook and Diana J. C ?rdova.  American Council on Education.  September 2007.

From 1994 to 2004, enrollment in higher education in the U.S. increased by 3 million students.  During this period, minority students increased by more than 1.6 million.  Despite these substantial increases, African Americans and Hispanics trail whites in the percentage of high school graduates enrolled in college.  This report also addresses minority high school completion rates, college participation, college enrollment; and degrees conferred.

[Note:  Contains copyrighted material.] 

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