Policy Update (May 2026)
Student Visa Processing as a National Priority
In March, the State Department finally released data that showed significant declines in student visa issuance.
On April 8, 2026, our coalition sent a letter urging the U.S. State Department to prioritize international student and scholars visa processing during the upcoming peak season for visa applications, consistent with the approach taken by administrations of both parties in the past.
The letter n
otes that the United States continues to face increasing competition from other nations for global talent, urging that every qualified and vetted international student who seeks to study at one of our many academic programs be able to secure a timely visa appointment for approval in advance of their studies.
The letter makes the case that when international students choose the U.S, we all win.
View the press release, which includes key facts showing how international students benefit Americans, and read the letter to the Department of State.
Introduction of Bipartisan Legislation to Codify Optional Practical Training
Our efforts to strengthen relationships with our champions on Capitol Hill and to collaborate with allies who share our interests are yielding results.
In March, we helped build support for the introduction of the Keep Innovators in America Act (H.R. 8013), federal bipartisan legislation to protect and codify the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which in turn, helps Americans to succeed.
When the bill was introduced, the U.S. for Success Coalition and more than a dozen of our members announced their support, representing a broad section of higher education, business, and immigration organizations. Thank you to the following organizations from the coalition that endorsed the bill upon introduction: AILA, AIFS, AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management, Alliance for International Exchange, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Council of Graduate Schools, EnglishUSA, FWD.us, Global Detroit, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, Shorelight, Studyportals, and TESOL International Association.
Following the bill’s introduction and in anticipation of further attacks on OPT, we convened a coalition-wide OPT strategy meeting. We continue working with the House bill’s co-sponsors to secure additional support for the legislation and to explore which of our champions in the Senate might be best positioned to introduce their own version of the bill.
Here are a few quick links to continue to build support for OPT with allies and policymakers:
Priority Bill Spotlight by US4S coalition member, FWD.us
Press releases from the bill’s sponsors and from our Coalition
Action Alert from US4S Executive Committee member, NAFSA, to urge cosponsorship of the bill
Next steps:
Together, we must continue to educate Congress that protecting OPT is a practical step Congress can take to support economic growth, workforce development, and educational excellence.
Our topline message is that Optional Practical Training benefits Americans. The program:
Helps attract international students, whose tuition fees then make U.S. higher education more affordable for American students and families
Creates jobs for American workers
Fills labor shortage gaps in high-demand fields with individuals educated at U.S. colleges and universities
Priorities for our collective action:
Secure additional cosponsors for the House bill
Seek bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate
Continue to encourage others, including allies in the business sector, Republican members of Congress, and state-level leaders, to urge the Administration to preserve OPT.
Dignity Act Builds Momentum
On March 19, the U.S. for Success Coalition’s Executive Director and one of our Executive Committee members, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, joined with other stakeholders from across the nation, representing families, faith groups, businesses, educators, and immigration advocates, to advocate for the DIGNITY Act of 2025. The bill includes important provisions promoting American prosperity and innovation that will help the U.S. to compete for international students.
Thanks in part to our coalition’s efforts, the bill continues to gain bipartisan support. To date, there are 39 bipartisan cosponsors and counting.
