President Bush signed a presidential directive Monday ordering federal agencies to more closely monitor the issuing and use of visas for immigrants and students.
The presidential order, which requires no act of Congress, will specifically monitor the issuing of student visas. The goal of the program is to \prohibit the education and training of foreign nationals who would use their training to harm the United States and its allies,"" according to a release from the White House.
White House spokesperson Scott Stanzel told The Daily Cardinal that the president's directive should not discourage foreign nationals.
""International students add greatly to the vitality and quality of our nation's colleges, universities and other institutes of higher learning,"" he said.
Bush said authorities will check to see if students with visas are actually attending school.