**GAO-11-354**                      Published: Feb 02, 2011. Publicly Released: Mar 07, 2011.                  

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## Highlights

Countries posing national security concerns to the U.S. could upgrade their military forces with certain technologies having civilian and military (dual-use) applications. The Department of Commerce (Commerce) may require employers to obtain a "deemed export" license before they can transfer these technologies to foreign nationals in the U.S. The State Department also requires foreign nationals to obtain specialty occupation visas to work in the U.S. in occupations such as engineering, computers, and biotechnology. GAO was asked to examine the risk that foreign nationals in the U.S. may gain unauthorized access to controlled technologies, and the extent to which Commerce and other agencies implemented recommended changes to the deemed export licensing process and enforcement system. GAO analyzed licensing and visa data from Commerce and Homeland Security, respectively; reviewed reports; and met with law enforcement agencies, companies, and universities in Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

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## Topics

Science and Technology

Access controlDual-use technologiesEmployment of foreign nationalsExport regulationExportingForeign trade policiesHomeland securityInformation technologyInternal controlsInternational tradeLicensesMonitoringRisk assessmentSecurity assessmentsSecurity policiesSystem vulnerabilitiesTechnology transferUnauthorized accessVisas