Urgent Call to Defend Freedom and Equal Opportunity in the U.S.

In a passionate display of concern for the future of American values, Deviana Dewi, a PhD candidate at Johns Hopkins University, has highlighted a growing crisis regarding freedoms and equal opportunities in the United States. Dewi’s reflections come as proposals surface that could fundamentally alter the landscape for foreign skilled workers in the U.S., a move that she argues contradicts the very principles the nation stands for.

Dewi’s commitment to the ideals of freedom and meritocracy stems from her own experiences as an international student drawn to the U.S. for its unparalleled academic opportunities. She cites historical milestones, such as the moon landing and the development of the Internet, as examples of how American universities have propelled innovation. This legacy, rooted in significant government investment in research, began with the influential report, Science, The Endless Frontier, authored by Vannevar Bush in 1945 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s directive.

According to Dewi, the principles outlined in Bush’s report underscored the necessity of federal support for basic research as vital to national security and public welfare, a philosophy that has attracted global talent to the U.S. However, she expresses alarm at current political developments that threaten these very ideals.

Freedom and Law: A Fragile Relationship

Dewi emphasizes the connection between freedom and the rule of law, quoting Pope Saint John Paul II: “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” She argues that true freedom requires adherence to laws that safeguard the common good. Citing historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt, she stresses that no individual is above the law, a sentiment she believes is essential for maintaining a just society.

This principle becomes especially concerning when political leaders assert themselves above legal scrutiny. Dewi points to a rising trend in which partisan loyalty overshadows rational discourse, complicating discussions about U.S. policy and governance. In her view, this partisanship undermines the integrity of democratic values and leads to a decline in effective political debate.

Challenging Proposals and Their Implications

Dewi expresses particular concern over a recent White House proposal that would impose a $100,000 fee for H-1B skilled foreign worker visas, and the introduction of the American Tech Workforce Act by Congressman Jim Banks. This legislation aims to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which permits international students to work in the U.S. following graduation. Dewi argues that such measures could hinder the U.S. job market’s longstanding openness to both American and international talent.

She highlights the economic contributions of skilled foreign workers, noting that many prominent figures in technology, such as Elon Musk, began their journeys in the U.S. under H-1B visas. Dewi contends that increasing barriers to entry for these workers will drive talent to countries like the United Kingdom and Canada, which are currently easing their visa restrictions to attract skilled labor.

If left unchallenged, these proposals could erode America’s reputation as a beacon of opportunity. Dewi calls on the public to engage with lawmakers, emphasizing that the voices of international students, often marginalized in policy discussions, must be heard.

“While we cannot guarantee agreement from our representatives, we can be sure that they listen,” she states, encouraging individuals to reach out with their concerns.

Dewi concludes with a reflection on the privilege of being able to ignore politics, reminding readers that factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and national origin can shield individuals from the impacts of policies that may harm others. As we approach the Jubilee Year of 2025, designated by Pope Francis as a time for renewal, she emphasizes hope as a driving force for change, urging action grounded in justice and truth.

Through her insights, Dewi challenges readers to reconsider the values that underpin American society and to advocate for a future where equal opportunity is not just an ideal, but a reality for all.