Celebrating one year since its founding, the US for Success Coalition is setting a clear vision to make the United States a more welcoming and accessible destination for international students. It’s calling for the next administration to streamline student visa processing, increase enrolment from diverse backgrounds and create policies that will better support foreign students’ success in the country.
Expanding membership and removing barriers
The Coalition was formed to support international students and includes over 40 education organisations, think tanks and advocacy groups. It has made steady progress over the past year. It has grown its membership, strengthened its reach and collaborated with key educational bodies to remove challenges that many international students face. “Drastic changes in other major destinations recently reinforce the critical importance of sound, coordinated national policy with student success at the center,” said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, one of the Coalition’s executive committee members.
Improvements in visa processing welcomed
Recent steps by the Department of State, such as extending the visa interview waiver to help with wait times, have been met with approval by the Coalition. These actions address delays and aim to make the application process smoother. However, the Coalition believes that even more can be done, urging the government to continue refining these processes. The Coalition’s goal is to create a more efficient and supportive environment for international students to successfully access US education.
Advocacy efforts to address visa concerns
In the past year, the Coalition has worked on several important projects. This includes a campaign to address higher visa denial rates experienced by African students. This campaign led to over 1,300 messages being sent to Congress. Consequently, eight US senators issued a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken to clarify student visa standards. These efforts reflect the Coalition’s commitment to expanding access and supporting international students in achieving their academic goals.
Encouraging a national strategy for international education
Industry leaders have highlighted the importance of the Coalition’s efforts, especially as the global landscape becomes more competitive. They noted that while the dream of a US education remains strong, visa challenges make it harder for students to achieve this goal. As other countries offer competitive alternatives, they urged that the US must take action. They stated that it is time for a national strategy on international education. The Coalition believes that creating a national approach will make the US more appealing to students. It shall foster a supportive educational environment where students can thrive.
Currently, the United States is the only major study destination without a national plan specifically for international education. In a recent survey by IDP, many US educators expressed strong support for such a national strategy. They particularly emphasised establishing pathways that allow international students to join the workforce upon graduation. This support aligns with the Coalition’s focus on ensuring that students can both learn and contribute to the economy through their skills and knowledge.
Building a diverse and successful international student community
The Coalition also aims to support the US’s growing international student population, which makes up about 5% of higher education enrolment. Aw suggested that this number could double to 10%, revealing that there is ample capacity for growth. “When international students succeed, we all win,” the Coalition remarked, emphasising their goal to expand and diversify the student body in the US.
Economic benefits
International students already contribute billions to the US economy. The Coalition believes that helping students thrive academically and professionally will only enhance these benefits. In its first year, the Coalition has encouraged inclusivity and collaboration, seeing international students as important to both innovation and intercultural sharing.
Looking ahead to support future international students
The Coalition aims to continue its work with the next administration and other educational institutions to create more accessible opportunities for international students. By fostering a supportive and diverse educational environment, the Coalition believes the US can remain a leading destination for students worldwide and create long-term positive impact for all.
To know more about opportunities available for international students and updates about education in the USA, check out our blog or contact our North American team at gspna@globalstudypartners.com.
