Science Democrats Concerned Over Reports of Problematic NIST Policy for Foreign Researchers

WASHINGTON, DC - Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Rep. April McClain Delaney (D-MD) sent a letter to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Acting Under Secretary Craig Burkhardt demanding answers regarding rumors that NIST has begun taking steps to implement a policy that would limit the ability of foreign-born researchers to conduct their work at NIST. An article was published on February 12, 2026, describing an alleged new three-year limit on international graduate students and postdoctoral researchers working at NIST. This cuts the U.S. scientific and industrial sectors off from worldwide talent that directly contributes to excellence in cutting-edge fields.

"While this Administration often finds it difficult to make its legally questionable policies stick, it frequently achieves its goals by intimidating its intended victims. Without clear communication about whom the new policies apply to, when they will take place, and how such policies will impact the work of the affected labs, visiting researchers may very well choose to leave before they get kicked out. The United States’ scientific enterprise would suffer greatly. Our scientific excellence depends upon attracting the best and brightest from around the world,” the Members wrote in their letter.

 “There is a right way to handle this issue. And instead, has NIST opted for secretive, slapdash policy changes that pull the rug out from visiting researchers for no clear rhyme or reason?” the Members continued. “You must be transparent with Congress and with the NIST community about the policies that have been put in place thus far. You must cease implementation until Congress can weigh in on whether these changes are necessary at all.”

Read the letter here.

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