McCarry Leadership Award – 2026 Call for Nominations

We are excited to announce this year’s launch of the McCarry Leadership Award – an initiative promoting the professional development of emerging leaders in the U.S. exchange community. The award honors former Alliance Executive Director Michael McCarry and serves as an opportunity for our community to champion emerging exchange leaders who will be crucial to the advancement and success of international exchange programs.

If you’re an early career professional who works at an Alliance member organization and is looking for opportunities to gain leadership experience, or supervise an early career professional who exhibits leadership potential and a commitment to the exchanges field, we encourage you to review the award information and submit a nomination package by Friday, August 21.

Awardees receive the following:

• Complimentary admission to the Alliance Annual Conference.

• Up to $1,000 reimbursement will also be provided for actual travel expenses associated with the Conference.

• Complimentary admission to Advocacy Day the following year.

Candidates should meet the following criteria:

• Have at least three years of experience in the international education and exchange field. This can include experience as an exchange participant and volunteer work in the field.

• Demonstrate significant leadership potential

• Be employed by an Alliance member organization

• Be 35 or younger

Please contact info@alliance-exchange.org with any questions.

DHS finalizes rule ending Duration of Status for F, J, and I nonimmigrants

Nearly a year after the proposed rule’s release, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized its regulation ending the longstanding Duration of Status (D/S) framework for F, J, and I nonimmigrants. The final rule, published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026, creates a fixed admission period for exchange visitors and international students and establishes a new USCIS extension process for those visa holders who need additional time to complete their programs.   

The final rule closely mirrors the framework proposed last August, and the Alliance’s concerns remain largely unchanged. Specifically, we are concerned that the rule will add unnecessary complexity, increase costs, and create greater uncertainty throughout the extension process for all parties involved. 

The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, following the required Congressional review period. Keep an eye on this space for more information on final rule implementation, specifically how it relates to J-1 BridgeUSA programs. 

House passes FY27 funding bill, rejects amendment to eliminate Fulbright funding

Yesterday, the House approved the FY27 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) appropriations bill, sending its funding proposal for the Department of State and exchange programs to the Senate in a major step forward for the appropriations process. The bill includes topline FY27 funding for educational and cultural exchange programs at $647 million. 

Notably absent in the final bill was an amendment proposed by Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO, 4) to eliminate funding for the Fulbright Program. Though the amendment’s inclusion in the bill was unlikely, its defeat is a significant win for the exchange community and signals the program’s continued strong bipartisan support in Congress. Over 2,800 advocates sent 3,116 messages to their Representatives urging them to vote no on the amendment and highlighting how important the Fulbright Program is to Americans and their communities. 

Congress listened. 348 Representatives voted against the amendment, and the Chairman and ranking member of the NSRP appropriations subcommittee stood to voice their support for the program during debate. NSRP Committee Ranking Member Lois Frankel (D-FL, 22) called the program a “smart investment” and “one of the most well-established and prestigious programs in the world.” NSRP Committee Chair Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL, 26) deemed Fulbright the “crown jewel” of exchange programs, sharing that he heard directly from several of President Trump’s ambassadors in South America that the program is a valuable U.S. national security tool. 

Now that the House appropriations bill has passed, what’s next for FY27 exchange funding? All eyes are on the Senate, where their version of the appropriations bill is still in the works. We are hopeful that the Senate’s version of the bill will come closer to the Alliance’s request of $700.95 million and provide the robust oversight measures and earmarks we saw in the FY26 enacted legislation. The process is far from over, and every step matters. Follow the Alliance for the latest updates on FY27 exchange funding and ways you can help promote and protect the future of exchanges. 

House amendment to FY27 State Department appropriations bill seeks to eliminate funding for Fulbright Program

On June 17, 2026, Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO, 4) introduced an amendment (Amendment 1 to HR 8595 (#110 (Boebert))) to the House Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Department of State funding bill that seeks to eliminate funding for the Fulbright Program. 

The amendment text proposes completely removing the bill line item that currently includes $287.8 million in program funding for FY27. 

The Fulbright Program has incredibly strong support in Congress and this amendment is very unlikely to gain traction among House Members or to be adopted. Even so, the Alliance is conducting a letter writing campaign to make our voices heard and show Congress just how important the Fulbright Program is to the American people. We’re asking Congress to reject the amendment should it come up for a vote during the full FY27 State Department funding bill process that is expected to occur early next week. 

For more information, please contact info@alliance-exchange.org. 

New ECA Assistant Secretary confirmed

On May 18, Catherine Dillon was confirmed by the Senate as the new Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Assistant Secretary Dillon was confirmed 46-43 as part of a group of 49 nominations.  

In her new role, Assistant Secretary Dillon will lead the U.S.’ global efforts to engage individuals through academic, cultural, professional, sports, film, music, and youth exchanges.   

The Alliance congratulates Assistant Secretary Dillon on her confirmation and looks forward to working with her and collaborating to promote international exchange programs. 

Alliance endorses bipartisan Congressional International Exchanges Caucus

The Alliance for International Exchange is proud to serve as the inaugural endorsing organization of the bipartisan Congressional International Exchanges Caucus, launched today by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), and U.S. Representatives Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ, 2) and Ami Bera (D-CA, 6). 

The Caucus was created to bolster engagement and support for international exchange programs, particularly those administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) within Congress, and will serve as a platform for members to: 

• Learn from Americans about the impact of international exchange programs on their states and districts; and  

• Ensure ECA’s long-term programmatic sustainability and success by offering exclusive opportunities to engage with Administration officials on the latest topics impacting international exchange programs. 

The Alliance commends the bipartisan, bicameral partnership on display in the creation of this caucus and looks forward to working with its members to promote international exchange programs.

ECA’s Account Is Full: What Is Apportionment And Why It Matters To Exchanges

Sometimes, to fully understand what’s happening behind the scenes, we need to dive into some arcane topics that aren’t part of our normal vocabulary. In this instance, I’m talking about apportionment.  

Apportionment is the practice by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of transparently making deposits into the accounts of federal agencies, which was codified into law in the FY22 appropriations bill. This year, because of this transparency, we know that the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has received its full FY26 apportionment, as well as its FY25 rollover funding and other unspent funds, which means they have over $1 billion in their coffers this year. Let me explain. 

In February, the bipartisan FY26 National Security, State Department, and Related Programs (NSRP) appropriations bill passed into law. We were grateful to see not only a positive funding line for ECA ($667M), but also strong oversight measures. One of those measures was a provision that signaled that the Alliance’s months of advocacy and conversations with the Hill had paid off.

Congress included oversight language with the aim of reigning in OMB, namely: 

• Provided further, That funds appropriated under this heading shall be apportioned to the Department of State not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

In addition to the existing law requiring that OMB publicly post its apportionments online, Congress was now saying that for ECA, OMB is also required to deposit ECA’s funds no later than 60 days after the passage of the bill. This requirement was clearly a response to the issues we raised all year and was included in the bill as added insurance to guarantee ECA received all its appropriated funds by a specific deadline. 

With that bit of oversight enshrined in law, I began to sit on the OMB apportionment website every day, refreshing it to see if they’d apportioned ECA’s funding. On the 60th day, they did. You can see ECA’s apportionment broken down here.

This chart is revealing in several ways. It shows: 

• ECA had $293,255,849 in carryover from FY25 (“Actual-Unob Bal: Brought forward, Oct 1”), which is a significant amount in comparison to a typical year. This number is certainly due to the hold OMB placed on 22 of ECA’s programs that prevented them from moving forward. 

• OMB apportioned the full FY26 appropriation ($667,000,000) to ECA but also shaved the statutory $25,000,000 rescission that was written into the bill off the top. This is standard in any appropriations bill, though usually the rescission is more piecemeal and program-by-program. 

• All in all, ECA has over one billion dollars at its disposal in FY26. 

This is just one extremely important example of our advocacy in action. We identified how OMB was obstructing ECA in spending its appropriated funds. Using Alliance member data and our own intelligence-gathering, we educated Congress about ECA’s typical award process and what was going wrong in 2025. Congress responded by putting requirements into law for OMB to ensure ECA had its funding in a timely manner in 2026.  

While we’re still monitoring the role OMB is playing in reviewing programs’ Congressional Notifications, ECA has access to its full FY26 funding along with FY25 carryover. Once those CNs are released from OMB review, the bureau should be positioned to package and distribute awards quickly. 

The oversight language included in the FY26 enacted NSRP bill clearly worked as intended, and the language should remain in all future Department of State appropriations. It demonstrated bipartisan intent to see ECA’s programs continue, and ensured OMB followed the letter of the law. To remove it in FY27 or future fiscal years would suggest that the threat of OMB interference is gone, and that is simply not the case. As we mentioned in our commentary about the House’s FY27 mark, the support for funding ECA remains strong, but those important oversight measures are missing. We encourage Congress to agree again on a bipartisan basis to include those measures in their final FY27 bill. 

Thirty-eight Senators sign letter supporting robust FY27 exchange funding and funding protections

On April 30, 2026, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and thirty-seven fellow Senators sent a letter on behalf of educational and cultural exchange programs to the Subcommittee on the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Senate Committee on Appropriations leadership.  

The annual appropriations letter calls on the Senate Appropriations Committee to: 

• Fund exchanges at $700.95 million for FY27; and  

• Retain oversight language from FY26 to ensure appropriated funds are released in a timely manner and are utilized consistently with Congressional intent. 

Below is a list of all thirty-eight letter signers. The Alliance is grateful to all the Senators who signed on and their offices for their support of Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) exchange programs. 

• Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) 

• Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) 

• Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) 

• Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) 

• Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) 

• Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) 

• Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)   

• Senator Christopher Murphy (D-CT) 

• Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) 

• Senator Christopher Coons (D-DE) 

• Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) 

• Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) 

• Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) 

• Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) 

• Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) 

• Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) 

• Senator Angus King (I-ME) 

• Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) 

• Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) 

• Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) 

• Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) 

• Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) 

• Senator Margaret Wood Hassan (D-NH) 

• Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) 

• Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) 

• Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) 

• Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) 

• Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) 

• Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) 

• Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) 

• Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) 

• Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) 

• Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) 

• Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) 

• Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) 

• Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) 

• Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) 

• Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) 

New J-1 visa appointment availability data signals concern for Summer 2026

Recent data collection conducted by the Alliance within our membership (see note below for more on methodology) shows that nearly 25,000 J-1 BridgeUSA participants set to arrive this summer are at risk of not getting a visa interview. A lack of visa interview capacity in key sending countries remains an acute threat to BridgeUSA programs and U.S. communities as we draw closer to the start of the summer season. 

• An estimated 19,400 expected Summer Work Travel (SWT) participants (23% of total expected summer participants) are at risk of not securing visa interviews, representing an estimated $66 million loss in direct economic contributions to U.S. host communities. 

• An estimated 5,200 expected Camp Counselor (CC) participants (16% of total expected participants) are similarly at risk of not securing visa interviews, which would result in an additional $9.1 million in lost economic impact. 

These challenges are particularly acute in key sending countries including Australia, China, Colombia, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Serbia, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, where collectively 13,590 appointments are still needed. 

If these appointments do not come through, U.S. seasonal economies and tourism dependent communities, and U.S. summer camps across the country will feel the impact.  

This problem began in late 2025 when a Department of State cable instructed Embassies to fully prioritize B1/B2 tourist visas for the World Cup at the expense of other nonimmigrant visas, including J-1s. Earlier this year, U.S. Embassies in key BridgeUSA sending countries across announced reduced J-1 visa interview capacity by anywhere from 50-90%. 

The Alliance continues to coordinate the exchange and business communities to press Congress and the Administration on the importance of BridgeUSA programs to U.S. public diplomacy and U.S. local economies.  

We’re using this new data to continue to make the case for our two primary asks of the Bureau of Consular Affairs: 

• We ask that Consular Affairs instruct Embassies to place priority emphasis on J-1 visa interviews. We support the issuance of World Cup visas to all eligible tourists and ask that Consular Affairs reprioritize J-1 visas for eligible participants for this summer and beyond given how critical they are to U.S. seasonal communities, camps, schools, families, and economies.   

• We ask that Consular Affairs provide more staff support for J-1 visa issuance, specifically for back-end online presence screening of J-1 visa applicants. We ask that the Department of State provide additional staff time and resources to assist Embassies with the back-end vetting of J-1 applicants’ online presence. This could be additional staff sent to Embassies and/or a central staffing mechanism that enables additional staff not at post to perform online vetting research while Consular officers are concurrently performing interviews at post. 

NOTE: In this data collection, Alliance member organizations who sponsor the Department of State’s BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel (SWT) and Camp Counselor (CC) programs shared their most recent visa processing data. These respondents account for an estimated 60% of total participants in both the SWT summer season and CC categories, respectively, making these findings broadly indicative of the current conditions. Total data presented here is extrapolated from these results to give a full program picture, based on State Department data for the programs from 2025 and expected participation for 2026.

House appropriations subcommittee bill funds ECA at $647 million for FY27

In a rejection of the Administration’s recent budget request, the House National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP, formerly SFOPS) Subcommittee proposed funding the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at $647 million. In addition to the topline funding number, the bill: 

• Specifically mentions funding the Fulbright Program at no less than $287.8 million; 

• Retains language ensuring that the Secretary of State consults with Congress no later than 30 days after the bill is enacted on the allocation of program funds;  

• Retains language ensuring that any major program changes planned by the Department of State must be run by Congress and; 

• Retains a provision that any regulatory changes made by the executive branch to BridgeUSA exchange programs must be done pursuant to the congressional requirements of formal rulemaking specified in the Administrative Procedure Act.   

While nearly three times the $215 million proposed in the President’s Budget Request, this funding still falls well short of the $667 million enacted for FY26, and the $700.95 million the Alliance has requested for FY27. There are also notable protections included in the FY26 enacted bill that are absent in this one, including: 

• No specific mention of funding levels for flagship ECA programs including the Gilman Program, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), and Young Leaders Programs; and 

• No language requiring funds be sent to ECA by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) no later than 60 days after the bill is enacted. 

We appreciate the committee’s continued bipartisan support for exchanges in a challenging fiscal environment but must keep pushing throughout the appropriations cycle to secure the robust funding  and oversight these programs require. We look forward to supporting collaboration between the House and Senate to ensure exchanges are fully funded and protected in FY27.  

The full bill text can be viewed here. Language on ECA funding and provisions can be found on pages 4, 5, and 125. 

President’s FY27 budget proposes 68% cut to Department of State exchange programs

Not surprising, but disappointing. The White House’s FY27 Presidential Budget Request (PBR) proposes defunding and decimating Department of State international exchange programs. 

Released last week, the PBR proposes funding the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at $215 million for FY27, a 68% topline cut from the FY26 enacted level. The complementary Congressional Budget Justification (CBJ) provides further detail on how these cuts would be enacted, proposing the elimination of 15+ programs and slashing funding for countless more. 

If enacted, the cuts proposed would inhibit American excellence at home and on the world stage. 

• Eliminating the Gilman Program denies American undergraduates with high financial need the ability to study or intern abroad, both of which are attractive experiences to employers. 

• Eliminating the Stevens Initiative prevents the creation of leadership opportunities for rising American generations. 

• Eliminating American Overseas Research Centers prevents American scholars from conducting research on critical issues of U.S. national importance in 29 countries around the world. 

• Cutting funding for the Fulbright Program by almost 80% limits the number of accomplished American students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals that receive scholarships to study, teach, conduct research, and contribute to finding solutions to complex global challenges. 

• Slashing and eliminating funding for Young Leaders programs in Africa, South-East Asia, and the Americas denies the U.S. opportunities to engage with the next generation of leaders in countries and regions critical to U.S. national security. 

• Cutting funding for the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) by more than 50% decreases the U.S.’ capacity to build long-term relationships between Americans and international leaders in government, business, academia, and other fields. 

These programs provide countless benefits to the U.S. and Americans at an incredible return on investment. 90% of the Department of State international exchange program budget is spent on Americans traveling abroad or by international participants while in America. 

Continued threats to exchange funding jeopardize short- and long-term program success. But the exchange community has the tools and proven track record to push back against threats like the FY27 PBR. Last year, we sent 20,000+ letters to Congress urging them to reject the FY26 PBR, which proposed a 93% cut to Department of State international exchange programs, and to fund exchanges at no less than $741 million. Thanks to our efforts and strong bipartisan support on the Hill, Congress soundly rejected the proposed cut and, in a significant signal of Congress’ continued support for ECA exchange programs amid a broader environment of sweeping funding cuts, funded exchanges at $667 million. 

While the President’s Budget Request shows a concerning lack of commitment to one of the U.S.’ most effective public diplomacy tools, the Alliance is prepared and ready to once again take action and show Congress and the Administration just how important exchanges are to Americans across the country. 

Nominee for ECA Assistant Secretary takes the stage during Senate confirmation hearing

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) held a confirmation hearing today for Catherine Dillon, the nominee for Assistant Secretary of State at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the Department of State. If confirmed, Ms. Dillon will lead the U.S.’ global efforts to engage individuals through academic, cultural, professional, sports, film, music, and youth exchanges. 

Introduced by Representative Virginia Foxx (R, NC-5) as a professional who will always meet the moment to ensure U.S. success on the global stage, Ms. Dillon pledged to lead “this vital component of the U.S.’ foreign policy.” She said she would do so by focusing on four core priorities: 

1. Strategic alignment: Ensuring all exchange programs and initiatives clearly advance America First priorities.

2. Fiscal stewardship: Applying fiscal scrutiny to all programs to ensure adequate return on investment. 

3. Championing American excellence: Capitalizing on the upcoming FIFA World Cup and LA 2028 Olympics to showcase American innovation, education, and opportunity. 

4. Prioritizing safety and security of exchange participants: Ensuring the health and safety of American participants and ensuring vetting of international participants. 

Following her opening statement, several Senators took the opportunity to ask Ms. Dillon about her commitment to following the laws that govern educational and cultural exchange programming and funding. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) asked Ms. Dillon if she would commit to following the letter of the law and ensure programs remain nonpolitical and funded as authorized by Congress, to which she agreed. There was specific mention of the Fulbright Program and American Spaces in questions from Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), to which Ms. Dillon responded by confirming the importance of both programs to U.S. foreign policy, especially in combatting Chinese influence. 

Ms. Dillon’s nomination will now be further reviewed by the SFRC, who will then vote on whether to send her nomination to the full Senate for final approval. 

The Alliance thanks Ms. Dillon for her willingness to serve in this role and the members of Congress who underscored the vital work of ECA and its continued importance to U.S. foreign policy. 

The full hearing recording can be viewed here. 

Making J-1s a Priority: The Importance of J-1 Visa Appointment Availability to the U.S. in Summer 2026

We’re less than three months out from the start of the summer season for U.S. businesses and communities, and one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the U.S. has a J-1 visa appointment availability problem. 

Over the past month, U.S. Embassies in Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Thailand, and Turkey, all key BridgeUSA exchange program sending countries, announced they will reduce J-1 visa interview capacity by anywhere from 50-90%, with more countries potentially following suit.  

If this trend continues, summer 2026 could see a sharp decline in Summer Work Travel and Camp Counselor participants, triggering consequences that extend far beyond the programs themselves. Seasonal businesses and tourist destinations across the U.S. could face serious staffing shortages, making it harder to operate and serve customers without the support these participants provide alongside American workers. Local economies stand to lose more than $45 million in annual spending generated by Summer Work Travel participants. And these impacts may only be the beginning, with broader and less predictable consequences already on the horizon. 

As the U.S. prepares for the FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th birthday celebration this year, ensuring participants secure the J-1 visa interview appointments they need to support U.S. communities and economies this summer is vital, and many in Congress agree.  

Last week, fifteen members of Congress joined Representatives Jeff Van Drew (R, NJ-2) and Bill Keating (D, MA-9) in sending a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging him to ensure that sufficient consular resources are in place worldwide for the timely visa processing of J-1 exchange visitors in 2026.  

We at the Alliance join Congress in calling on the U.S. Department of State to ensure J-1 visas are prioritized this year and respectfully recommend the following activities: 

• We ask that Consular Affairs instruct Embassies to place priority emphasis on J-1 visa interviews. A Department of State cable was issued to Embassies in late 2025 instructing them to fully prioritize B1/B2 tourist visas for the World Cup, while deemphasizing the issuance of J-1 visas. We support the issuance of World Cup visas to all eligible tourists and ask that Consular Affairs reprioritize J-1 visas for eligible participants for this summer and beyond given how critical they are to U.S. seasonal communities, camps, schools, families, and economies.  

• We ask that Consular Affairs provide more staff support for J-1 visa issuance, specifically for back-end online presence screening of J-1 visa applicants. We ask that the Department of State provide additional staff time and resources to assist Embassies with the back-end vetting of J-1 applicants’ online presence. This could be additional staff sent to Embassies and/or a central staffing mechanism that enables additional staff not at post to perform online vetting research while Consular officers are concurrently performing interviews at post. 

It is important to note that many Embassies around the world have been responsive to the needs of the program by extending the number of months for J-1 visa interviews. While appreciated and necessary, this alone is not sufficient to provide the needed number of visa interviews to give U.S. businesses the necessary seasonal boost they expect. We’re grateful to our members, partners, and champions on the Hill for continuing to advocate for a multiprong approach to address this issue and ensure need is met. 

If you or your organization has information you’d like to share regarding J-1 visa appointment trends you’re seeing, please contact info@alliance-exchange.org.

Exchange programs take center stage in Under Secretary Rogers’ first appearance before Congress since confirmation

Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers appeared before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on March 5, 2026, where lawmakers on both sides of the aisle brought U.S. Department of State international exchange programs to the forefront of their questioning and remarks.  

In her opening statement, Under Secretary Rogers spoke about the importance of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and praised ECA’s programs as powerful public diplomacy tools. She called ECA “a cornerstone of American public diplomacy” that amplifies U.S. influence and credibility through long-term relationship building. The Under Secretary highlighted exchanges as key to fulfilling this Administration’s goals of spreading U.S. global interests and bolstering national security: 

“These efforts not only expand the reach of U.S. diplomacy but also generate measurable impact — strengthening alliances, opening markets, and supporting American security and prosperity.” 

During her remarks and in responses to questioning, Under Secretary Rogers affirmed that ECA’s international exchange programs benefit American students and scholars and help Americans connect with international leaders. She cited programs like Fulbright, Gilman, and IVLP as programs that achieve U.S. foreign policy goals. 

Numerous Members of Congress highlighted the importance of exchanges in their remarks and asked pointed questions about the status of ECA’s FY25 and FY26 grants and funding and the need to ensure ample J-1 visa appointment availability.  

Reps. Ami Bera (D, CA-6), Johnny Olszewski (D, MD-2), Madeleine Dean (D, PA-4), Gabe Amo (D, RI-1), and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D, CA-37) all highlighted the funding and grants challenges that ECA has endured over the past year. Several of them raised the issue of OMB holding the FY25 awards for many of ECA’s exchange programs last year, demonstrating the visibility this issue has gained on the Hill.  

Under Secretary Rogers repeatedly noted that those held programs are “on track,” with specific discussions taking place around the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI). While it’s true that OMB has released its hold on that funding and ECA approved most of the programs for continuation, the programs have yet to see any movement on funding or a resumption of activities. 

Under Secretary Rogers characterized OMB’s involvement in ECA grants as an “interagency process” that she couldn’t comment extensively on. Rep. Dean requested a full report from ECA on the held awards, what their funding amounts will be, and confirmation that the awards will be processed for FY26. 

Several members also raised questions about the FY26 grants process, asking the Under Secretary about her intentions to ensure that ECA’s appropriated funds are distributed in a timely manner and used consistent with Congressional intent. The Under Secretary acknowledged multiple times that she and ECA will “follow the law” as laid out in the FY26 appropriations bill.  

Rep. Bill Keating (D, MA-9) raised the issue of visa appointment availability for BridgeUSA program applicants this year. Rep. Keating noted the importance of BridgeUSA programs on local and seasonal economies, like in his district that encompasses Cape Cod, and expressed his concern about growing reports of limited visa appointment availability. While Under Secretary Rogers did not directly address the question, she signaled strong support for BridgeUSA programs, noting that her office is working with Congress on legislative initiatives designed to strengthen the programs.  

The Alliance extends its thanks to Under Secretary Rogers and all the Members who spoke on the importance of international exchange programs and continue to ask the questions necessary to ensure the future success of these vital programs. 

The full hearing recording can be viewed here. 

Recently released State Department data shows concerning dip in BridgeUSA participation in 2025

BridgeUSA exchange program participant data for 2025 was just released, and the numbers tell a concerning story.  

BridgeUSA participant numbers dipped to 275,000, an 8.8% decrease from 2024, and the first decline in participation in more than five years. This is a departure from recent participation trends, as 2021-2024 saw a steady increase and almost complete rebound from the 2020 plummet in program participation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The dip in 2025 participation signals that BridgeUSA programs are facing a variety of intersecting challenges. While demand for the programs – from both participants and hosts – is holding strong, exchange organizations have to contend with headwinds from several directions to convert that demand into participation.   

Program Participation Decreases Nearly Across the Board 

Nearly every major program category experienced a decline in 2025. The across-the-board declines suggest that participation barriers are not isolated to a single program type but are impacting the BridgeUSA portfolio more broadly. 

• Research Scholar, Teacher, and Au Pair saw some of the steepest decreases:  

• Research Scholar saw a nearly 27% decrease to 17,622 (down from 24,067 in 2024). 

• Teacher saw a 22% decrease to 5,276 (down from 6,780 in 2024). 

• Au Pair declined 13.2%, to 16,840 (down from 19,408 in 2024).  

• Camp Counselor was the only category to see even a slight increase, up to 32,470 (from 32,079 in 2024). 

• SWT saw a 2.5% decrease to 104,609 (down from 107,228 in 2024). 

• Intern saw a 9.8% decrease to 16,877 (down from 18,719 in 2024). 

• Trainee saw 12.3% decrease to 8,605 (down from 9,821 in 2024). 

• Secondary Student (High School) saw a 6.3% decrease to 17,863 (down from 19,077 in 2024). 

Impact on Top Sending Countries 

Many countries that have historically sent strong numbers of participants saw decreases from 2024 to 2025, such as: 

• Germany: -11.42% 

• Turkey: -15.5% 

• Colombia: -25.7% 

• Mexico: -7.67% 

• China: -9.34% 

Top Receiving U.S. States Also Impacted

The declines are felt domestically as well. Most U.S. states saw a reduction in their number of exchange participants, including those that typically host the largest numbers of participants, including: 

• New York: -5.51% 

• Pennsylvania: -6.54% 

• Florida: -7.17% 

• Massachusetts: -8.41% 

• California: -11.75% 

These decreases across the country could affect local economies and communities that rely on the cultural, educational, and economic contributions of BridgeUSA participants. 

What’s Driving the Decline? 

Several factors likely contributed to this drop in participation: 

• New social media vetting procedures of J-1 visa applicants, implemented in June of 2025, are significantly increasing the time it takes to adjudicate a visa for any given applicant. This additional time is squeezing consular resources and creating fewer available visa interview slots. 

• Immigration enforcement concerns may be discouraging prospective participants from committing to programs. 

• Political and economic uncertainties in the U.S. may be influencing both applicants and host organizations. 

Looking Ahead 

BridgeUSA programs have long served as a cornerstone of both U.S. public diplomacy efforts and economic success. Reversing these declines will require coordinated efforts from government agencies, partner organizations, and host communities to ensure that the U.S. remains an attractive and accessible destination for young people and professionals worldwide. 

Alliance endorses American Decade of Sports Act

The Alliance for International Exchange is proud to endorse the bipartisan American Decade of Sports Act sponsored by Representatives Kamlager-Dove (D, CA-37) and Huizenga (R, MI-4) in the House and Senators Rosen (D-NV), Young (R-IN), Padilla (D-CA), and Curtis (R-UT) in the Senate.  

This bill harnesses the excitement surrounding the multitude of international sporting events taking place in the United States in the next decade by directing the Department of State to develop a 5-year sports diplomacy strategy and creating a new Office of Sports Diplomacy to implement the new strategy. Working through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the strategy will guide U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, coordinate with U.S. host cities and states, engage key diaspora communities, and promote American sports culture, alongside U.S. industry and tourism, to international audiences.

This bill puts sports diplomacy at the forefront of U.S. diplomatic activity surrounding the major events coming in the next decade and strengthen U.S. soft power and enhance its global leadership. 

The Alliance commends the bipartisan, bicameral work done to advance this bill. 

National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill funds exchanges at $667 million for FY26

On Sunday, January 11, the House Appropriations Committee introduced the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026. This bill is the product of negotiations between House and Senate appropriators, and key to advancing full-year funding for FY26. The legislation provides $667 million for educational and cultural exchanges, a significant signal of Congress’ continued support for ECA exchange programs amid a broader environment of sweeping funding cuts. 

The Alliance for International Exchange appreciates the substantial work and bipartisan compromise reflected in this package. While the $667 million allocation falls below the FY24 enacted level of $741 million and the $700.95 million included in last summer’s House bill, it nonetheless represents a strong commitment to sustaining exchange programs. The bill’s inclusion of specific topline funding levels for programs such as Fulbright, Gilman, IVLP, and the Young Leaders Initiatives is an especially encouraging sign. 

The Alliance also applauds the inclusion of strengthened oversight language (see below and page 194 of the bill text) to ensure close cooperation between Congress and the State Department on program funding and implementation. 

• Secretary consultation: “That not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the allocation of funds made available under this heading by program, project, and activity.” 

• Substantive modification: “That any substantive modifications from the prior fiscal year to programs funded under this heading in this Act, including program consolidation and closures, changes to eligibility criteria and geographic scope, and implementing partners, shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations 

• Apportionment: “That funds appropriated under this heading shall be apportioned to the Department of State not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.” 

The bill was marked up in a House Rules Committee hearing, which is the first step in Congress’ committee consideration of a bill after the two chambers have agreed on text. The hearing was held on Tuesday, January 13 at 2:00 PM ET. The Alliance is continuing to monitor the bill’s progress and its impact on exchange programs. If the bill passes, it will ensure funding for the Department of State and ECA programs through September 30, 2026. 

Read the full bill text, along will statements and supplementary documents, below: 

• Bill text is available here (ECA section on page 194).  

• An explanatory statement for the bill is available here (pages 8-9 outline exchange program funding and additional considerations). 

• A summary of the bill is available here. 

• House Appropriations Committee press release 

Statement on another inaccurate portrayal of BridgeUSA international exchange programs by the New York Times

The Alliance for International Exchange is deeply disappointed in the New York Times’ second inaccurate and reductive portrayal of U.S. Department of State BridgeUSA international exchange programs (first in September, and again in an article released on Christmas Day).  

We are dismayed and disheartened by the negative experiences of the small group of individuals featured in these stories. Their experiences, however, are far from representative and do not reflect that the vast majority of the 300,000 individuals who participate in BridgeUSA programs annually have positive, life-changing experiences that improve their lives and careers and strengthen the United States’ global influence.  

BridgeUSA programs are cultural exchanges programs that benefit international participants and the country alike. 

According to a 2025 State Department survey of Summer Work Travel program participants: 

• 98% of non-native English-speaking respondents indicated improving their English-language abilities. 

• 95% of respondents indicated that they increased their knowledge of United States culture. 

• 95% indicated being satisfied with their program sponsor. 

• 95% reported that their work conditions were safe. 

• 94% indicated having an overall positive program experience. 

• 91% said their job duties were what they expected. 

• 90% were satisfied with their job placement. 

In addition, data from the Alliance’s 2025 BridgeUSA Impact Report shows that 96% of Summer Work Travel Program alumni and 94% of Intern and Trainee Program alumni recommend the program to family and friends back home.  

As we noted in our response to the first Times article, BridgeUSA programs are governed by a comprehensive set of community-supported State Department regulations, as well as robust compliance mechanisms and oversight. These regulations require numerous key safeguards, including but not limited to: rigorous vetting of host employers, clear prohibitions on job placements in unsafe or inappropriate roles, and structured support systems for participants. These regulations and compliance activities continuously improve program administration and experiences.  

The health, safety, welfare and success of all program participants is the exchange community’s number one priority.  

Oversight of BridgeUSA programs today is even more robust than it was a decade ago, and that evolution reflects a shared, community-wide commitment to the safety, success, and cultural enrichment of every participant. In addition to creating positive, life-changing experiences for participants, BridgeUSA international exchange programs represent the most cost-effective tool in the United States’ public diplomacy toolbox, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars reinvested back in American communities.   

The Alliance and its members will continue to partner with the State Department to advance the goals of these important programs while ensuring the wellbeing of participants.  

Community in Action: The 2025 Alliance Annual Conference in Photos

The 2025 Alliance Annual Conference brought together 250+ leaders, practitioners, and policymakers from across the international exchange community for two days of learning, collaboration, and forward-looking discussion. 

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Alliance Executive Director Mark Overmann

Alliance Board Chair and AFS-USA President & CEO Tara Hofmann

McCarry Leadership Awardee Leydi Lucas and Nominator Clare Overmann

Michael McCarry, McCarry Leadership Awardee Julia Stewart, and Nominator Meriem Guetat

McCarry Leadership Awardee Suzanne Kolasa and Nominator Rich Baader

We kicked off this annual gathering with opening remarks from Alliance Executive Director Mark Overmann and Alliance Board Chair and AFS-USA President & CEO Tara Hofmann (read Tara’s remarks and reflections on the importance of advocacy here), and celebrated the three emerging international education and exchange leaders that received this year’s McCarry Leadership Awards. 

• Suzanne Kolasa, Spirit Cultural Exchange 

• Leydi Lucas, Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) 

• Julia Stewart, Amideast 

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The afternoon got into all things advocacy. A highlight of the first day was a Bipartisan Hill Staffer Panel, offering insights into legislative priorities affecting international exchanges and public diplomacy programs. This was followed up by a Policy Chat IRL, a live version of the Alliance’s popular Friday series. Led by Adrienne Jacobs (Alliance for International Exchange), Kate Eltrich (KAE Strategic), and Will Nordwind (Venable), this panel discussion took a deep dive into the latest developments in federal funding, regulations, and executive actions shaping the field. We also heard video remarks from Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME, 1). 

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We started Day 2 strong with a block of concurrent sessions focused on empowering practitioners and advancing the exchange field. 

In From Interest to Action: Securing Private Sector Investment in Exchange Programs, Scott Massey (anu), Ashley McNeil (AHLA), and Christine Shiau (Aspen Institute’s Stevens Initiative), and Jim Golsen (Meridian International Center) explored how exchange organizations can showcase to businesses where there are opportunities to collaborate and demonstrate the tangible value of exchanges to the private sector to move from business interest to action and secure real investment from the private sector. 

Simultaneously, Leading through Uncertainty with Jen Wilson (Jen Wilson International) guided participants through organizational best practices for navigating disruption with clarity and empathy.  

Another concurrent session, Participant Support in 2025, featured Allison Jennings (IREX), Jung Ran Lim (Cultural Vistas), and Jessica Kissell (Greenheart International) who shared firsthand insights on preparing participants for arrival in the U.S., supporting mental health throughout programs, and navigating the ripple effects of new immigration policies. 

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Attendees joined peers to get into the weeds on programmatic best practices for a wide range of exchange program categories. 

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The conference closed with Action Alert: Building our 2026 Advocacy Strategy, a forward-looking discussion featuring Marcelle Benedicta (Greenheart International), Theresa Furman (Meridian International Center), Phil Simon (Cenet), and Erica Stewart (NAFSA). Together, they reflected on the past year’s advocacy lessons and outlined strategies to strengthen engagement, mobilize consistent support, and communicate effectively amid a shifting political landscape. 

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We’re grateful to all the attendees, speakers, and sponsors that made this gathering possible. Special thanks to our Visionary Sponsors AIFS and InterExchange. 

Why Advocacy Matters: Reflections from Alliance Board Chair Tara Hofmann

I am truly honored to serve as the new Board Chair of the Alliance for International Exchange.

I want to thank Jennifer Clinton, President and CEO of Cultural Vistas, for her leadership as Chair for the past four years. As Vice Chair, I had a front row seat watching her navigate what has been the most challenging period of time in the Alliance’s history. Her steady hand and her ability to “see through the trees” have significantly contributed to all of our organizations still being here and being aligned in our advocacy efforts.

I want to begin by recognizing the extraordinary dedication of our members, our partners, our staff, and our Alliance team — people who, in every sense, represent the beating heart of the international education and exchange field. You have faced a year unlike any other, marked by headwinds that have tested our endurance, our creativity, and, at times, our faith in what’s possible.

Yet, I am filled not with worry, but with conviction. Conviction that what we do matters more today than perhaps at any point in recent memory.

Tara Hofmann, AFS-USA President & CEO and newly-appointed Alliance Board Chair at the 2025 Alliance Annual Conference.

In my recent article in Foreign Affairs, I wrote about what happens when people come face to face across cultures — when they live, study, and work side by side, not as headlines or stereotypes, but as human beings.

These exchanges are not soft diplomacy; they are soul diplomacy — the kind that changes how people see the world and each other.

Whether it’s

• a high school student discovering a new way of thinking about freedom and responsibility.

• a Fulbright professor conducting research abroad.

• an undergraduate arriving in the United States for the first time and finding their way on a new campus.

• a young professional sharing dinner with a local family through IVLP.

• an au pair learning to navigate life within a new household.

• a teacher bringing a fresh global perspective to a classroom full of curious middle schoolers.

• a Work & Travel student stepping into their first real job at a bustling amusement park.

• or a trainee returning home with new skills that will transform a local business —

Each of these experiences, and countless others like them, strengthen the fabric of peace and understanding, one person at a time.

“These exchanges are not soft diplomacy; they are soul diplomacy — the kind that changes how people see the world and each other.”

— Tara Hofmann, AFS-USA President & CEO and Alliance Board Chair

That is the work we do. That is what we defend. And that is what unites every member of the Alliance for International Exchange.

This past year has challenged all of us — not just organizationally, but philosophically. New regulations, policy uncertainty, and shifting political winds have tested our resilience and our ability to adapt.

But they’ve also reminded us why advocacy matters — not just in Washington, but in every community where exchange participants live, study, and work. The Alliance’s recent commentary said it well: “Home is where the impact is.”

Our stories don’t start or end in D.C. They begin in host families, on college campuses, in workplaces, and in communities where people from around the world discover a shared humanity. When those stories are told — locally, authentically, and passionately — we build understanding from the ground up. That is how we endure.

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As I begin my tenure as Chair of the Alliance, I see our task not as reinventing the Alliance, but as reinvigorating the movement it represents.

We must:

• Stand shoulder to shoulder — across every sector and program category — to present a united front in the face of uncertainty.

• We must amplify visibility — because the more people know about our programs, the harder they are to dismantle or dismiss.

• We must invest in local advocacy — ensuring that mayors, business owners, teachers, and families understand that exchanges aren’t just global; they’re profoundly local in their impact.

• And most importantly, we must stay true to our purpose — that what we do is not transactional, but transformational.

I see this next chapter for the Alliance as one of renewed clarity. We are not just managing programs; we are sustaining a vision of the world that values curiosity over fear, empathy over division, and collaboration over isolation.

The challenges before us are significant — but so is our resolve. We are part of something that transcends politics and policy cycles. We are custodians of a legacy built on belief: belief in the transformative power of human connection.

Our responsibility now is to protect and expand that legacy, to nurture the next generation of bridge builders, and to ensure that our programs — every single one of them — continue to open hearts and minds across borders.

Let this be our rallying cry:

“No matter how turbulent the moment, we will continue to make the case for exchange — boldly, collaboratively, and relentlessly. Because when the world becomes more divided, our work becomes more essential.”

As we gather under the banner of the Alliance, let’s recommit ourselves to that purpose — to advocacy that is grounded in unity, integrity, and hope. Let’s lift each other up, share our stories widely, and remind this nation — and the world — that the United States is at its best when it opens its doors, not when it closes them.

Thank you for your leadership, courage, and belief in this mission. Together, we are the voice of global exchange — and the future we are shaping is one that the world desperately needs.