Advocacy Resources

We encourage you all to use and adapt resources provided below to keep yourself informed on relevant congressional issues and to assist in planning visits to your Members of Congress offices on both local and national levels.

Final Rule: Fixed Time Periods of Admission and Extensions of Stay
Resources English Language Programs

Informal, unrecorded webinar (7/27/2026); link to slides
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
- August 13 – Student Advising with New Regulations
- August 20 – 24-Month Limit: Adapting Our Programs

Compiled Resources on End of D/S

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"

DHS Proposal to Replace Duration of Status:

Resources for EnglishUSA Members & English Language Training Professionals

Recent EnglishUSA Submissions/Comments

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

ELP-Specific Recommendations to Federal Agencies

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

SEVP Data

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.

(Joint) Statements from EnglishUSA

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)

Resources to Contact Members of Congress (MOC) and/or Set Up Visits

Take Action (January 2021 and beyond)

Do you have newly elected Members of Congress? Send them a welcome letter and request their support for English language programs and students.

Advocacy Resources from Relevant Organizations

Advocacy How-To Guides