Recommendations for the Biden-Harris Administration
The Biden-Harris administration began at an unprecedented moment in U.S. history. The COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, travel restrictions were in pace around the world, and international education was in crisis. Today, rebuilding and restoring U.S. engagement with the world is critical. This is essential if we are to get the country’s economy and higher education system back on track. International education must be a key element of this recovery.
President Biden understands the critical need to put the United States back on firm foreign policy ground having served for many years on the Foreign Relations Committee as a U.S. senator, and, more recently, as President Obama’s vice president. In the Obama administration, he championed its proactive global engagement agenda, which included the launch of several international education initiatives like 100,000 Strong China, 100,000 Strong in the Americas, and the Young African, Young Southeast Asian, and Young Leaders of the Americas initiatives, many of which continue today. Vice President Kamala Harris understands this too, as she is the daughter of two successful international students. During the campaign, Biden and Harris pledged to restore global alliances and undo the harmful immigration policies put in place by the prior administration.
Just as the COVID-19 virus knows no borders, neither should the solutions to it. To emerge from this crisis, the United States must rely on global collaboration. Rebuilding and restoring U.S. global leadership and economic strength will require reaffirming a dedication to international education through administrative and congressional action. We will continue to work with the Biden-Harris administration to advance the following policy priorities in order to “build back better”.
Federal Agency Recommendations
NAFSA's recommendations for advancing international education priorities in the United States