People have been waiting in line for freedom throughout the history of the United States. And now foreign students applying for visas will be waiting a little longer because of a change in the application process.

The State Department will now require all foreigners to have in-person interviews with consular officials in order to attain their student visas, instead of just completing paperwork.

As long as discrimination's ugly head doesn't surface within the interviews between foreigners and U.S. Department of State, this change is for the best. Despite the invasiveness of many post-Sept. 11 policies, this is within our nation's ideals.

The change from paperwork to personal interviews for those seeking access to the United States will help keep terrorists outside of our borders while letting in those interested in academics.

The policy might cost a little more and increase delays in the already bogged down international application system, but one cannot place a price on freedom and safety, much less worry about long lines. Inconvenience is a small price to pay for those who want to enter the United States and for our nation's safety.

However, there are still flaws within the system. Applicants under 16 and over 60, ones with government jobs, and repeat applicants can all be granted access without the interview. Whose to say that a 14, or a 64-year-old, isn't capable of terrorism, much less a government employee or repeat applicant.

This change in the application process for student visas can prove to be a wise idea to increase security within our country. As long as the policy is applied fairly, waiting in longer lines is understandable. Freedom, education and safety are always worth the wait.