Comment on DOS-2008-0050-0001

As for the screening and evaluating of foreign nationals, I think our embassies and consulates abroad can do a better job and contribute their expertise in the field, in addition to the requirements of the sponsor and third parties. The change from paper numbers forms to electronically generated Forms DS-2019 eliminating the requirement of the physical storage of unused forms has helped improve our national security to avoid misuse of these forms. The requirement to notify current information on the employment entity and work location of dependents provides venues to locate the dependents as a security method. Thanks to the introduction of free SEVIS-related definitions, the sponsors can maintain current and accurate data in these SEVIS fields so that foreign nationals can be located at the site of activity or current residence. Maintaining this information is a matter of national security. All in all, the proposed rule on the Exchange Visitor Program is mainly a matter of national security. All the provisions of the proposal should be more involved with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Immigration and Naturalization, rather than the sole business of the Department of State.