Alliance Commentary
Analysis of the latest news around Washington, D.C. and the exchange community from Alliance staff and members.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
By Mark Overmann 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. Released earlier today, this FY26 “skinny” budget proposes to cut State...
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. The two most important takeaways for international exchanges are: ECA and PD remain intact This reorganization is not...
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...
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. This is a major victory in an advocacy effort that began when on Thursday, February 13 when the State...