The Collective Public Policy Voice of the Exchange Community

Administration’s FY 2019 ECA Budget Would Hurt U.S. Diplomacy

by | Feb 12, 2018 | Alliance Commentary

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 budget released today by the Administration proposes a steep 75 percent cut to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Specifically, the FY19 request of $159 million is a significant reduction from ECA’s actual budget of $634.1 million in FY17. Last year, the Administration recommended a 55 percent cut to ECA. Although a long-term FY18 budget has not been finalized, Congress recognized the importance of ECA and increased its funding for FY17.

Senate Appropriations Committee Passes Amendment Aimed at Protecting the J1 Exchange Visitor Program

by | Sep 7, 2017 | Alliance Commentary

Today the Senate Appropriations Committee approved language designed to ensure that any changes made to the J1 Exchange Visitor Program be done publically, in line with the full notice and comment requirements of the normal federal regulatory process. The amendment was co-sponsored by Senator Chris Coons, Ranking Member Patrick Leahy, and Senator Lisa Murkowksi.

White House Interagency Group Seeking to Eliminate J1 Visitor Exchange Visa Program

by | Aug 30, 2017 | Alliance Commentary

At a time when the world’s favorability rating of the United States hovers below 50 percent, a small working group based in the White House is seeking to eliminate the majority of privately-funded J1 Exchange Visitor Programs. As reported today in the Wall Street Journal, American businesses fear the economic blow they will experience as a result of this effort. 

Does the Summer Work Travel International Exchange Program Work?

by | Aug 29, 2017 | Alliance Commentary

ROCKVILLE, MD., August 28, 2017 – The Alliance for International Exchange, an association of cultural exchange agencies, asked EurekaFacts to find just that. The Summer Work Travel program—one of five programs included in the J1 Visitor Exchange Program—brings more than 100,000 college students from 100 countries to the United States during their summer break. These students typically work at amusement parks, ski destinations and hospitality small businesses during their peak seasons.