Advocacy in the United States

In the US, our efforts with the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and Congressional leaders are aimed at creating:

• federal regulations that encourage international exchange and ensure high program standards;
• a visa policy that keeps our country safe while supporting legitimate exchange;
• adequate and consistent funding for exchange programs and public diplomacy.

We accomplish these goals with an active presence in Washington, as well as through our membership in organizations like the Alliance for International, Educational and Cultural Exchange, which gives a collective and active voice to issues that impact the exchange community. From time to time, we also reach out to Host Organizations and other stakeholders to ask their support in our efforts to lobby for policies that allow these valuable exchange programs to continue.