Action Alert: Tell Congress International Students are Essential to America’s Safety, Economy, and Global Strength

The U.S. for Success Coalition, of which the Alliance is a founding member, is calling on Congress to press the administration to avoid immigration actions and travel restrictions that jeopardize America’s global strength in attracting the world’s best and brightest to U.S. colleges and universities. Advocates can take up this call to action by reaching out to their members of Congress with the message that the administration should make it a national priority to welcome international students and scholars to study and succeed in the U.S.

Action Alert: Urge Congress to Restore Vital International Exchange Funding

The Alliance for International Exchange, on behalf of its more than 90 U.S.-based members who implement international exchange programs, and in conjunction with NAFSA and the Forum on Education Abroad, is launching a campaign to urge Members of Congress to demand that the U.S. Department of State lift the freeze on international exchange funding. 

The Department of State still has not lifted what was described as a 15-day temporary pause of all international exchange program funding that went into effect on Wednesday, February 12. This pause has paralyzed an array of time-honored exchange programs that enhance American safety, security, and prosperity.  

This action risks the health, safety, and future of the more than 12,500 American youth, students, and professionals who are currently abroad or who have plans to be abroad in the next six months. It also shuts off funding for U.S. programs now hosting more than 7,400 youth, students, and professionals in American communities from around the world. 

We encourage all exchange champions take action today and urge Congress to support thousands of American students and communities by contacting the U.S. Department of State to demand that funding be turned back on for international exchange programs. 

Action Alert: Write your House Representative TODAY to oppose amendments eliminating funding for exchanges

This is a call to action regarding a number of amendments to the House’s Department of State funding bill that eliminate funding for DOS educational and cultural exchange programs. Amendment 38 (#158) submitted by Rep. Mast (R-FL, 21) threatens to eliminate all funding for these DOS exchange programs, similar to last fall's proposed amendment from Rep. Andy Biggs. Amendment 1 (#83) and Amendment 13 (#15), introduced by Rep. Brecheen (R-OK, 2) and Rep. Gosar (R-AZ, 9), also seek to cut funding for DOS exchanges in various ways.

This issue is extremely urgent, as these amendments to the House’s DOS funding bill could be voted on the House floor as early as tomorrow, Wednesday, June 26. Ask your Representative to oppose these amendments by sending a letter RIGHT NOW!