[sandworm101]

Personal politics is a larger dynamic than scientists like to admit. When you are planning something big, something international, you have to think about access. In 2030, will this facility be accessible to the international community? Will Chinese involvement become a security issue? Will data be shared openly? Those decisions are made by the executive branch, subject to the whims of whoever is in charge at the time. Planners think about this stuff.

[NegativeLatency]

To continue your line of questioning: Will scientists be granted visas?

[whyever]

It's fundamental research. What security issues are you talking about?

[sandworm101]

Some of the sensor tech is subject to export controls. The stuff that could be used for nuke research/development.