State Dept. Relaxes Visa Rules for Some Scientists and Students

The New York Times article: (registration required.)

"Responding to concerns that onerous visa requirements are discouraging foreign students and scientists from coming to the United States, the State Department has extended the time many of them can remain before renewing security clearances.
The clearance is required for foreigners working in areas the government deems 'sensitive.' Fields like chemistry, engineering and pharmacology can be in that category."