Comment from Rachel Pries

[200.202(e), 200.220] To Whom it May Concern: I am a professor of mathematics. I am writing in my personal capacity to oppose the proposed revisions to sections 200.202(e) and 200.220 that would restrict international scientific collaboration and isolate American scientists. Almost all of my collaborations include American and non-American authors. This leads to greater progress in science and more international cooperation. These international collaborators help train my American graduate students. The mathematical research centers in the United States and Canada will lose prestige and the ability to function effectively. This would be an artificial restriction that would hurt individual people without having any meaningful impact. I am concerned that the international reaction to this rule will lead to isolation for American scientists.