Flashback: Obama Removes Post 9/11 Restrictions on Saudi Visitors

Shortly after the Center for Immigration Studies put out a report warning that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program was widely unregulated and abused, the Obama Administration has decided to dispose of the last restrictions instituted after 9/11 to prevent a repeat of the revolving door Saudi visa system.


The United States, a decade after Al Qaida strikes in New York and Washington, has opened its doors to Saudi nationals.

Diplomats said the administration of President Barack Obama has removed most restrictions on the entry of Saudis to the United States. They said the percentage of visa approvals for Saudis has reached unprecedented levels.

“The United States aims to raise the number of visas that it issues annually, particularly to Saudi nationals, who represent an important group,” Joseph Hood, U.S. consul-general in the Saudi city of Dhahran, said.

He said Saudi businessmen and students have been allowed to enter the United States in record numbers, with a 60 percent increase since 2010.

Hood said. “In addition, Saudi Arabia also sends a large number of students to the United States, and the number of Saudi students in the United States rivals those from India.”

The CIS report meanwhile notes that of the “Top Five M-1 Approved Schools” , three are flight schools.

From:  http://frontpagemag.com/2013/dgreenfield/obama-kills-post-911-restrictions-on-saudi-visitors/