Participants of the 2020-2024 Fulbright Foreign Student Program funded by the U.S. Department of State respond to the discussion on the draft laws “On Registration of Foreign Agents” and “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” in Georgia.
The present circumstances pose a twofold challenge for us, as we are currently participating in the Fulbright Foreign Student Program in the United States of America, with the obligation to apply the knowledge acquired to our country’s advancement upon completion. The proposed bills, “On Registration of Foreign Agents” and “On Transparency of Foreign Influence,” present an impediment to the democratic growth of the nation and contradict Georgia’s Constitution, particularly Article 78, which unequivocally articulates the chosen strategic direction of the country’s citizens, towards European and North-Atlantic integration.
The draft legislation referred to above has garnered unequivocal disapproval from the international community, thereby casting aspersions on the country’s standing and prospects for future collaborations. Local organizations have similarly expressed their negative reaction to the proposals, emphasizing the potential for the registration requirement to jeopardize the existence and funding of these entities. Such a development would invariably impact diverse social groups depending on the essential services provided by these organizations to improve their quality of life.
The proposed legislation threatens to impede the growth of education, science, and technology in Georgia, with the youth and the academic community at large facing the imminent risk of being deprived of the advantages that international organizations’ backed programs offer.
Since 2014, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program has afforded dozens of young people in Georgia the opportunity to pursue advanced studies and expand their knowledge at U.S. prominent universities, a feat made possible by the backing of the U.S. Department of State. The program’s scope encompasses not only academic instruction, but also the facilitation of diverse forms of experiential learning, access to scientific research and publications, participation in international conferences, and exposure to novel people and prospects. It further provides the possibility of temporary employment and the chance to acquire experience within esteemed American organizations, all while embodying and promoting our nation’s values. Being an international student engenders great responsibility, as it involves both fulfilling the commitments stipulated by the supported program and promoting Georgia in a favorable light. This task is rendered more arduous when the country contemplates laws that run contrary to the ideals that we espouse in academic settings.
Despite our diverse fields of specialization, which include medical genetics and diagnostic genomics, aero engineering, public administration, law, human rights, international relations, demography, geo-information systems, and mapping, microelectronics and photonics, we share a common objective: advancing the democratic development of Georgia. This end accords with the populace’s aspirations and the state’s national interests, and it endeavors to safeguard the principles that undergird social, economic, cultural, civil, and political rights, with equitable recognition accorded to each.
We urge the ruling party to abstain from enacting the bills regarding the “registration of foreign agents” and the “transparency of foreign influence.”
Signed by:
Arkadi Akopian - Master of Microelectronics and Photonics at Electrical and Computer Engineering School, Iowa State University
Giorgi Gvasalia, Master of Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University
Giorgi Revishvili, Master of International Affairs/National Security and Diplomacy, The Bush School Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University
Goga Katalandze, Master of International Studies, North Carolina State University
Tea Natelauri, Master of Medical Genetics and Diagnostic Genomics, Tulane University
Mariam Latsabidze, Master of Public Policy at Hubert Humprey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota
Mariam Chachava, Master of Public Policy, University of Washington
Natia Kantaria, Master of Human Rights at Hubert Humprey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota
Natia Javakhishvili, Master of Conservation Biology, The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Nino Mateshvili - Master of Geography, Concentration in Demography and Geo-information systems at Social Science School, University of North Iowa
Salome Bakhsoliani, Master of Law, Loyola University New Orleans
Sophiko Arjevanidze, Master of Public Policy, Northeastern University Boston
Sophiko Beriashvili, Master of International Policy Education, University of Maryland", - the statement reads.
