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.
ELP-Specific Recommendations to Federal Agencies
(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)
Communication with Members of Congress re: COVID-19 Crisis
- Letters sent to House and Senate leadership on behalf of EnglishUSA Membership (May 1, 2020)
- Letter sent to Senate Leadership on behalf of EnglishUSA membership (March 24, 2020)
- Letter sent to House Leadership on behalf of EnglishUSA membership (March 24, 2020)
Resources to Contact Members of Congress (MOC) and/or Set Up Visits
- 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)
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
- 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
Advocacy How-To Guides
- Indivisible Guide (grassroots advocacy advice)
- Countable
- Open States: Discover Politics in Your States