Dear Editor, I have spent more than 30 years working in information technology at four institutions of higher education, and I’ve consulted for many others. In my experience, the suggestion that admitting an international or out-of-state student takes away an educational opportunity from an in -state student misses many things, of which I will point out three. First, most of the time, international and out-of-state students do not pay the same amount to attend an institution as do in-state students. In fact, they often subsidize some costs that would otherwise be met by in-state students. Vermonters would be better off discussing what to charge international and out-of-state students and how many places to allocate to them. Vermonters could theoretically allot more funds to make up for any loss of revenue from international and out-of-state students, but I have not seen any indications the state would do this. Second, as a small state, Vermont is not financially able to offer many programs of study.  Therefore, the state enters into reciprocity agreements with other states whereby Vermont students may attend a program of study not offered in Vermont but offered in the other state at a discounted rate well below the other state’s out-of-state tuition. I can only see this as a financial benefit to the state and the student. READ MORE Finally, there are the immeasurable financial savings brought about by exposing international students to our wonderful American way of life, principles, ideals and so on. I believe many international students have returned to their home country and applied them, which I think makes the world a better and safer place for Americans.  Any arguments regarding international students staying in the U.S. after graduation from a U.S. institution of higher education conflate this issue with U.S. immigration laws and policies. Such immigration issues should be addressed separately from those related to international student attendance at U.S. institutions.   Richard BlevinsReadsboro, Vt. Read the story on VTDigger here: International and out-of-state students are an asset, not a threat. ...read more read less