ALLIANCE COMMENTARY
Home Is Where the Impact Is: The Importance of Local Advocacy
Global connections, local impact. If international exchange programs had a slogan, I’d say this phrase would be high on the list of contenders.
Action Alert: Tell Congress to reject President’s budget proposal and support funding for international exchange programs
The Alliance for International Exchange, on behalf of its more than 90 U.S.-based members who implement international exchange programs is launching a campaign to urge Members of Congress to reject the President’s FY26 budget proposal and support funding for international exchange programs.
President’s FY26 budget proposes to essentially eliminate State Department exchange programs
We expected it, but it’s still deeply disappointing to see. The President’s FY26 budget proposal would essentially eliminate State Department international exchange programs.
Lessons Learned: The First 100 Days of the Second Trump Administration
International exchange programs make America “safer, stronger, and more prosperous.” This has been an Alliance refrain since Secretary of State Marco Rubio first coined the phrase during his Senate confirmation hearing on January 15. It has fueled our advocacy over the past 100 days as we’ve worked to thaw a funding freeze, navigated Executive Orders and leaked memos impacting exchanges, prepared for expected proposed cuts to ECA funding, and so much more.Read on for four lessons from the past 100 days that we at the Alliance are reflecting on to inform our advocacy efforts going forward.
Policy Update: ECA Remains Intact Amidst Major State Department Reorganization
This morning, Secretary of State Rubio shared his vision for a reorganization of the Department of State, including a new org chart, attached here
USCIS Alien Registration Explained: What it Means for Exchange Students
Since the beginning of the second Trump administration, there has been growing confusion within the exchange community surrounding recent developments related to the Alien Registration Requirement and their potential implications for exchange participants. While these requirements do not apply to the majority of international students or exchange visitors, and no additional registration is necessary for individuals in these categories, it remains important to understand what they entail. Read on for more information on what the Alien Registration Requirement is and to whom it applies.
The Department of State Memo That Leaked: Let’s Talk About the Budget Process
This week in Washington began abuzz, first with rumors and speculation about a damaging memo possibly coming from the Department of State, and then real alarm when The Washington Post published a piece about a memo that was leaked to them proposing to slash the agency’s funding by nearly half, including the elimination of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The coverage of this memo has been breathless and dire. We at the Alliance saw the full memo, and it is very concerning.
Exchanges Aren’t Going Anywhere: Leaked State Department Memo and What It Means for Exchanges
On Monday, April 14, The Washington Post broke the news that a leaked internal Administration memo proposed cutting the State Department by 48% and eliminating the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and its exchange programs. While the memo is concerning and must be taken seriously, context is key: the memo is a proposal of a potential proposal and doesn’t mean the imminent elimination of ECA and exchange programs.
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.
Advocacy Update: Exchange Funding Begins to Flow After Pause
As of Friday, March 28, Alliance members have received over 85% of outstanding State Department payments that had been withheld due to the ongoing funding freeze.
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.
New Report: BridgeUSA Exchange Programs are an investment in America
The Alliance is pleased to announce the launch of a new report that showcases the significant impact Department of State BridgeUSA programs have in and on the United States.
Alliance welcomes new Board of Directors members for 2025
The Alliance is pleased to announce the newest members of our Board of Directors.
Alliance congratulates Marco Rubio on his confirmation as Secretary of State
The Alliance for International Exchange congratulates Secretary of State Marco Rubio on his confirmation, and on being sworn in, as the 72nd Secretary of State this week.
December 2024: Potential Impact of a U.S. Government Shutdown on International Exchange Programs
With only hours left before government funding expires (tonight at midnight), Congress has not reached an FY25 funding deal. None of the 12 appropriations bills have passed, and progress on extending the current Continuing Resolution (CR) has stalled. A bipartisan agreement to extend funding until mid-March collapsed this week, and a House vote to pass a different CR failed on Thursday evening. It’s not impossible that the situation could change throughout the day but given the current dynamics on the Hill and the late hour, a government shutdown as of Saturday at 12:01 am is looking likely.
Moving Forward Together: Reflections on 2024
This year, the Alliance made a list of commitments to our membership that we prioritized throughout 2024: preparing for the incoming Congress and Administration, communicating and validating impact, and strengthening our position. Together with our members, supporters, and partners, we upheld those commitments to protect and promote exchange programs.
Alliance congratulates Senator Rubio on Secretary of State nomination
The Alliance extends its congratulations to Senator Marco Rubio on his Secretary of State nomination. Since his election to the Senate in 2011, Senator Rubio has been a supporter of international exchange programs, particularly through his membership on the Senate State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee.
Moving forward as a community
The country has cast its votes and, as I write this, I find myself focused on two things. We know the value of our programs, the value of engaging across cultures and borders. We know that exchanges bring resources to U.S. communities large and small; that they create and empower leaders in the U.S. and around the world; and that they break down stereotypes that lead to a more inclusive world. I know that the international exchange community will continue doing its important work every single day.