SfN Issues Statement on Immigration Executive Order
Society for Neuroscience (SfN) President Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD, released the following statement addressing the recent White House executive order on visas and immigration, reaffirming the Society’s support for free exchange of information, diversity, and global collaboration. SfN is the world’s largest organization dedicated to advancing the understanding of the brain and nervous system.
“The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) stands with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Research!America, and other professional and scientific societies in opposing the recent White House executive order on visas and immigration. This order poses a threat not only to long-held American values but is already having a chilling effect on scientists whose work is made stronger through engagement with colleagues from around the globe. Advancement of science has served the American people well for two centuries, driving better health and a stronger economy. It has challenged and united us as a nation to confront devastating diseases like polio, to land on the moon, and to discover new plant and animal species.
American science has always relied heavily on the work of researchers from around the globe. Innovation is only possible through a comprehensive knitting together of the global science community, because new knowledge comes from diverse voices and experiences. The U.S. economy, and particularly our scientific enterprise, has always benefited from the contributions of immigrants and refugees. Policies are needed now that ignite that spark of creativity and ingenuity and bring different voices together — which has always been at the heart of what defines America and how we succeed.
Along with other members of the scientific community, SfN is urging the administration to work with the scientific community in crafting an appropriate solution – one that recognizes that science cannot be contained within borders.”
SfN also joined with other professional and scientific organizations in sending a letter to the administration urging it to rescind the executive order and work with the scientific community to craft new policy.
SfN members can also make their voices heard by sending a letter to the president and their members of Congress telling them to reject the recent executive order on visas and immigration.
The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) is an organization of 37,000 basic scientists and clinicians who study the brain and nervous system. Learn more about SfN advocacy priorities surrounding research funding and about brain science at BrainFacts.org.
