Advocacy Resources

English Language Programs (ELPs) are strategic assets that advance institutional, community, and national interests by supporting international enrollment, expanding global engagement, strengthening local economies, and enhancing U.S. global influence. Sustained investment in English language education supports higher education competitiveness, community vitality, and America’s long-term economic and diplomatic success. 

The EnglishUSA Advocacy Team has created a support document for members to advocate for themselves on campuses and/or their communities.

Created October 20206

• Duration of Status Final Rule: Explainer for English Language Programs 
• Additional informal, topic-based discussion series coming soon (check out events for registration):
  • August 5 – Pathway Programs & Conditional Admission (slides available here)
  • August 13 – Student Advising with New Regulations
  • August 20 – 24-Month Limit: Adapting Our Programs (link to shared Google Doc here)
• Informal, unrecorded roundtable session (7/27/2026); link to slides
• Loss of D/S - I-94 End Date Guide from the International Resource Center (tool to see projected I-94 end dates, grace periods and I-539 requirements)

• Duration of Status Portal (NAFSA, no login required)
  
• Duration of Status Explainer (NAFSA)
  
• DHS Final Rule Ending Duration of Status
  
• Urge Congress to Reject DHS’ Plan to End Duration of Status
  
• Requirements of a Declaration
  
• "What Does the New Duration of Status Rule Mean for International Students & Workers: Discussing the economic impacts of this regulatory change" (Brookings Institute Overview, July 17, 2026)
  
• International Student Resource Center, "Summary of Final D/S Rule" and "FAQ for Students & Scholars" 

• EnglishUSA's Comment on the DHS Proposal (submitted 9/29/2025)
• Analysis for ELT Professionals for DHS Proposal "Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media"
• Guidance to Submit Comments on the DHS Proposed Rule to End Duration of Status

• EnglishUSA's Comment on Proposed Rule regarding Agency Information Collection Activities: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (Submitted 11/03/2025)

• Approved by Board on September 25, 2024 to publicize to stakeholders in the U.S. and worldwide

Mark Algren has compiled SEVP data on English language training students for many years, carefully parsing and analyzing enrollment trends. EnglishUSA appreciates his continued efforts to keep this information current and accessible. He has also provided a guide to assist with reviewing and interpreting the data.

• May 2026 SEVP Data
• Mark’s Guide for Reviewing the Data

• EnglishUSA, TESOL International Association, and UCIEP Response to the Formation of the U.S. for Success Coalition and a Coordinated Approach to International Education (12/8/2023)
• EnglishUSA, NAFSA, TESOL and UCIEP August 20, 2021 Joint Association Statement with Support from ACCET & CEA to the Departments of State, Commerce, Education and Homeland Security with recommendations to include English language programs in renewed commitment to international education
• EnglishUSA's Response to July 26, 2021 Joint Statement by Departments of State & Education
• EnglishUSA, TESOL International Association, and UCIEP Joint Statement Opposing Proposed Rule Changes for D/S (October 13, 2020)
• EnglishUSA, TESOL International Association, and UCIEP Joint Statement Opposing ICE Guidance on International English Language Program Students for Fall 2020 (July 8, 2020)
• TESOL, EnglishUSA, and UCIEP Joint Statement on Social Media Vetting of International Students (May 29, 2017)
• TESOL and UCIEP on Possible Limitations on US Student Visas from China  (March 21, 2018)
• TESOL-EnglishUSA-UCIEP Joint Statement on Supporting International Students and Intensive English Programs in the United States (January 19, 2017)

• Find your representatives
• Find your senators
• Tracking the United States Congress
• NAFSA/Connecting our World Advocacy Toolkit
• NAFSA Issue Net
• Connecting our World
• EnglishUSA Powerpoint (from Advocacy 101 webinar)

• NAFSA/Connecting our World Advocacy Toolkit
• NAFSA Issue Net
• Connecting our World
• NAFSA International Student Economic Value Tool
• TESOL Advocacy Resources
• Alliance for International Exchange (must be a member to access some resources)
• AIEA Advocacy Resources
• NACAC Advocacy Resources (includes both state and federal legislative issues)
• DHS Press Releases
• NAFSA Economic Value of U.S. College and University English Language Programs

• Indivisible Guide (grassroots advocacy advice)
• Countable
• Open States: Discover Politics in Your States