ALLIANCE COMMENTARY
Exchange programs take center stage in Under Secretary Rogers’ first appearance before Congress since confirmation
Under Secretary 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.
Recently released State Department data shows concerning dip in BridgeUSA participation in 2025
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Why Advocacy Matters: Reflections from Alliance Board Chair Tara Hofmann
New Alliance Board Chair Tara Hofmann shares her vision for the Alliance and international exchange community.
Alliance Welcomes Newest Board of Directors Members
The Alliance is proud to welcome five new members to our Board of Directors. We are grateful for their commitment to the international exchange community and look forward to working together to protect and promote exchange programs.
October 2025: Potential Impact of a U.S. Government Shutdown on International Exchange Programs
As of 12:01 this morning (Wednesday, October 1), the U.S government fully shut down for the first time since 2019.
Statement on inaccurate New York Times article on international exchange programs
The Alliance for International Exchange is deeply disappointed by the inaccurate and reductive portrayal of U.S. Department of State BridgeUSA international exchange programs in a recent New York Times article.
Introducing the 2025 McCarry Leadership Awardees
Get to know the 2025 McCarry Leadership Awardees.
What the proposed rule to eliminate Duration of Status means for J-1 exchange programs
On August 28, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would replace the current “duration of status” (D/S) admission for J-1 exchange visitors, F-1 students, and I media representatives with a fixed period of admission.
Rollout details and timing of new “Visa Integrity Fee” remain unclear
Created earlier this year as a part of H.R. 1 (otherwise known as the One Big Beautiful Bill), a new “Visa Integrity Fee” would add a $250 charge to all approved nonimmigrant visas, in addition to any already existing application fees.
Where Things Stand: An Update on OMB Holds on ECA Funding
Last week, the Alliance for International Exchange learned that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) plans to cut $100 million in FY25 funding for at least 22 Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) international exchange programs.
OMB Moves to Cut FY25 Funding for at Least 22 ECA Programs
Yesterday, the Alliance for International Exchange learned that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) plans to cut FY25 awards for at least 22 Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) international exchange programs, which amounts to approximately $100 million in funding.
Potential FY26 Government Funding Scenarios
Over the last few weeks, Congress has gotten over two major hurdles that have an influence on FY26 appropriations negotiations and possible legislation: the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill, the work on which was sucking the air out of everything else on Capitol Hill, and the $9 billion rescissions package for foreign assistance programs and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. With these two markers in the rearview mirror, it’s a good time to game out some FY26 funding predictions.
House National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee bill funds ECA at $700.95 million
The House National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (formerly SFOPS) Subcommittee released its FY26 appropriations bill, and the proposed topline funding amount for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is $700,946,000.
McCarry Leadership Award – 2025 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.
Celebrating an American Superpower: Exchange Day 2025
On Monday, August 4, 2025, join the Alliance and the broader international education and cultural exchange community in celebrating Exchange Day!
Unnecessary visa interview pause threatens U.S. prosperity and security
The Trump administration’s decision to temporarily pause scheduling F, M, and J visa appointments jeopardizes the success of international exchange programs essential to the U.S.’ economic prosperity and national security.