Dear Erica,
Another week, another show of bipartisan support for international education! In close consultation with the U.S. for Success Coalition (of which NAFSA is a founding member), Rep. Sam Liccardo (D-CA-16)—who, with Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23), introduced the Keep Innovators in America Act to protect Optional Practical Training—led a May 22 letter to the administration in defense of Duration of Status (D/S).
The signatories urge Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russ Vought to “preserve Duration of Status and ensure efficient visa processing policies that support a stable environment for international students and scholars.” We applaud Rep. Liccardo for his leadership and thank Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), and Jay Obernolte for joining him on the letter.
As ever, we will keep you posted when there is news regarding the publication of the final rule that would replace D/S with a fixed admission period.
With the NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo beginning next week, we are excited to preview International Education Action Week for our Connecting Our World readers—a series of advocacy campaigns we will spotlight each day of the conference. Whether you’re packing your bags for Orlando or not, please be a part of this opportunity to use our collective voice to press for policy change—and share these campaigns with your community. The fall semester is fast approaching and the more we do to make some noise with elected officials the better!
Welcoming International Student Talent
An end to the Duration of Status (D/S) policy, calls to eliminate Optional Practical Training (OPT), and unpredictable student visa processing threaten the United States’ ability to attract and retain global talent. Join NAFSA and the U.S. for Success Coalition in urging Congress to defend D/S and OPT while pressing to prioritize student visa processing so that international students and scholars can continue to contribute their ideas and ambitions to this country.
International Education: A Smart Strategy for U.S. States
Every state’s economy, workforce, and employers benefit from international education programs that help connect students with the world. Send the message to your governor and your state legislators that supporting international education is a smart strategy for your state’s growth and competitiveness.
Federal Investment in Study Abroad
Federal study abroad programs like Fulbright and Gilman and international education programs such as Title VI and Fulbright-Hays are threatened by proposed budget cuts, withdrawn funds, and staff layoffs. Urge Congress to support continued investment in these programs—and to pass the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Act, to ensure more U.S. college students gain the global experience they need to succeed.
Supporting International Students & Scholars Affected by the Travel Ban
In addition to pressing the Department of State to exempt them from the travel ban, join NAFSA and the U.S. for Success Coalition in calling on USCIS to resume adjudicating applications and petitions for those from travel ban countries who are legally in the United States but may be forced out of status and out of the country because of this freeze.
Phew. That’s a lot but please do what you can. Keep an eye on NAFSA’s social media for the latest policy and regulatory updates and if in Orlando, come see us at the NAFSA booth in the Expo Hall. Thank you for reading!
Best,
Erica
Erica Stewart
Senior Director, Advocacy & Strategic Communications
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
