Dear Matt,
Let’s start with some good news!
The House National Security, Department of State Subcommittee released and approved its FY2026 appropriations bill and funding for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is $700.9 million, including $287 million for Fulbright, only slightly lower than what the House provided for FY2025 ($720.9 million and $287.8 million, respectively). This is excellent news, as it is well above the 93 percent cut that the president put forth in his budget, and far more than we expected given House Republicans’ reluctance to publicly oppose the administration. Thousands of advocates like you made a clear and convincing case that ECA programs are important, and we see evidence of your impact in this appropriations request. Of course, the bill still needs to be approved by the full Appropriations Committee but it is heartening to start the process in such a strong position.
Regarding the current budget year, the Senate just passed in a final 51-48 vote the White House’s rescissions package, which effectively slashes $9 billion in government spending on foreign aid and public broadcasting. The action now turns to the House, which has a July 18 deadline to approve the package. If the House fails to do so, the administration is obligated to spend the funds. Of note, it has been over 30 years since a rescission package was passed by Congress.
On or about July 11, the Department of State shortened the validity period of new visas for numerous countries to three months and only a single entry. NAFSA’s Director of Immigration Practice Resources, David Fosnocht conducted a thorough review of the State Department’s visa reciprocity information to create a list of which countries/visa categories most pertinent to international education are impacted. It is not clear if these changes portend an expansion of the current travel ban affecting 19 countries. We will keep you posted.
As you’ve heard me say before, we are eager to receive reports from the field on visa appointment trends, fall enrollment implications, and how institutions are responding. These reports will guide our advocacy engagement with Congress and Department of State so your input is critical! Then join us for a July 24 webinar for public policy and regulatory updates and to learn from your peers as to how they are navigating this period of uncertainty with flexibility and innovation.
As long feared, a reduction in force hit the State Department on July 11, including approximately 40 staff at ECA. Our hearts go out to the many dedicated, passionate champions for international education and exchange who had their careers cut short. We thank them for their service.
Lastly, we are still awaiting more information on the proposed rule to end the duration of status (D/S) policy for international students and exchange visitors and will update you on how you can help defend it. In the meantime, refer to NAFSA web page for information on the current challenge to D/S and the one that transpired during the first Trump administration.
WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW:
Keep the pressure on Congress to intervene on the issue of visa appointments and visa processing for international students and scholars. The closer we get to August, the more urgent the need!
Report through NAFSA’s online form your knowledge of students’ ability to schedule new visa appointments and at which posts, and anticipated fall enrollment (coordinate with your colleagues to avoid duplication). Responses received by July 21 will help inform NAFSA's webinar on July 24, which you won’t want to miss!
Share (and complete yourself if applicable) a new survey by The Forum on Education Abroad that will demonstrate how education abroad experiences impact career paths and economic mobility. Anyone who has studied, interned, or conducted research abroad is encouraged to participate in this short 5-minute survey!
Best,
Erica
Erica Stewart
Senior Director, Advocacy & Strategic Communications
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
