The Collective Public Policy Voice of the Exchange Community

Advocacy

The collective public policy voice for organizations and companies comprising the educational and cultural exchange community in the United States.

Current Priorities

FY25 ECE Funding

Au Pair Program Clarifying Regulation

On October 30, 2023, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the Department of State (DOS) released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) outlining significant regulatory changes to the federal au pair cultural exchange program. These changes were only proposed (not enacted) and put forward for public comment.

Ongoing Priorities

Appropriations

The educational and cultural exchange (ECE) programs appropriations fund educational, professional, and cultural exchange programs that are crucial to achieving United States’ foreign policy objectives. Each year, the Alliance submits requests to congressional committees in support of robust ECE funding. Funding for exchange programs delivers significant benefits to the United States. 

U.S. for Success Coalition 

International students make important contributions to U.S. innovation, cutting-edge research, and Americans’ understanding of the world. They are essential to the exchange of ideas and intercultural understanding on our campuses, in our communities, and in our workplaces. The United States must do more to attract a greater and more diverse population of international students and ensure their success. 

Past Engagement

Afghanistan Task Force

Since the civilian surge under President Barack Obama and the Kerry-Lugar-Berman legislation in 2010, Afghanistan has been a priority country for U.S. public diplomacy efforts. Between 2003-2021, a majority of at-risk Afghan civil society leaders have been the beneficiaries of these exchange programs; their participation in them and close association with the United States puts their livelihoods and lives in danger. 

Buy American, Hire American (BAHA) Executive Order 

On April 18, 2017, President Trump signed a “Buy American, Hire American” Executive Order (EO), which focused primarily on strengthening the “Buy American” policies of the U.S. government and reforming the H-1B skilled worker visa program. The Administration made it clear that they envisioned the EO as part of a larger immigration reform effort. 

COVID-19 Pandemic 

The COVID-19 pandemic created significant challenges for international exchange programs due to their heavy dependence on travel and people-to-people interactions. An estimated 6500 jobs and $303M were lost by these employers and others in related fields last year due to the pandemic. Overall, the BridgeUSA exchange community experienced $1.23 billion in financial fallout in 2020.