Test-taking ring for foreign students reveals gap in student visa security measures

Test-taking ring shows gap in US visa security

SANTA ANA, Calif. — A ring accused of helping people from the Middle East obtain student visas by taking proficiency exams and classes for them has exposed a vulnerability in the nation’s tracking system for foreign students.

Janice Kephart, who helped with the 9/11 Commission report, said Tuesday the case raises red flags about how well foreign students are tracked after arriving on U.S. campuses.

Federal prosecutors charged a California man Monday with operating the ring of illegal test-takers. Eamonn Higgins is accused of using fake IDs to take the tests.

Officials have broken up other student visa fraud cases in recent months around the nation, including Miami and Atlanta.