Dear Partners,
Many of you may be wondering how the new White House administration will impact international education in the U.S. After attending the Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) conference in Washington, D.C., I remain optimistic about the continued recognition of and advocacy for the value of international students in the U.S.
NAFSA: Association of International Educators is leading efforts to advocate for international education. In a January 17, 2025, memo to the Trump-Vance administration, NAFSA outlined key policy priorities to support international students. Their advocacy efforts focus on two critical areas:
- Enhancing government efficiency
Advocating for reduced visa backlogs, more predictable visa processing, and lower denial rates—especially for students from countries with growing college-age populations. - Attracting top international talent, especially in STEM fields
Supporting policies that create clearer pathways to employment and a direct route to a green card for international graduates who wish to stay and contribute to the U.S. economy, as proposed by President Trump.
We remain committed to advocating for international students and strengthening global partnerships.
Wendy Lee Stewart, Ed.D.
Vice President of International Programs & Extended Learning
Green River College