Educate your Elected Officials as to the Value of International Students

With a new session of Congress underway, now is an important time to educate your elected officials on the contributions international students make to U.S. innovation in STEM fields, economic competitiveness, national security, and workforce development.

Urge their support for policy changes that will grow international student enrollment. Be sure to visit www.nafsa.org/econvalue to find the specific economic impact international students make in your state and congressional district so that you can insert it in your message.

Thank you for bringing to your lawmakers' attention to the myriad ways international students contribute to this country.

Educate your Senators as to the Value of International Students

Subject

Message

Dear {{legislator_title_last_name}},

My name is {{first_name}} {{last_name}} and as the 119th Congress begins its work, I want to make sure you are aware of the important contributions international students make to  U.S. innovation, economic competitiveness, national security, and workforce development.

NAFSA: Association of International Educators, in partnership with JB International, released findings for the 2023-2024 academic year showing that international students studying across the United States supported more than 378,000 jobs and contributed $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy—setting a new record. Explore the data for our state at nafsa.org/econvalue.

Beyond these economic contributions, international students play a crucial role in filling gaps in the domestic STEM workforce, which is critical to maintaining U.S. leadership in technological innovation and scientific advancement. Consider that more than half of international students in the United States pursue STEM-related degrees, filling critical shortages in fields essential to the U.S. economy and national security. International students not only contribute directly to STEM fields but also foster entrepreneurship and innovation that benefit the entire economy.

For these reasons, as a constituent, I urge your support for policy changes that will boost international student enrollment at U.S. colleges and universities, such as expanding dual intent to F-1 students and creating a direct path to a green card for international graduates, as President Trump indicated support for during his campaign.

Thank you for your consideration, and for ensuring the United States benefits from the contributions of international students to the fullest extent.

Sincerely,
{{full_name}}
{{city_and_state}}