Alliance for International Exchange:
Defending Cultural Exchange Programs
When a 2017 Executive Order in the first Trump Administration threatened to eliminate the J-1 Visitor Exchange Visa Program, the Alliance for International Exchange (Alliance) faced a critical advocacy challenge. Amid intense political pressure, WPS developed a fact-based campaign to safeguard a vital exchange program through powerful storytelling and data-driven advocacy, shifting inaccurate narratives and influencing policy decisions at the highest levels of government.
Campaign Strategy and Strategic Media Placement
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Reframed the narrative from "foreign labor" to cultural diplomacy and international relationship building
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Secured an exclusive in The Wall Street Journal that "broke the story" on the J-1 Visa Program
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Generated hundreds of follow-up stories in outlets nationwide, including local op-eds
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Positioned the Alliance as the authoritative voice on cultural exchange benefits
Fact-Based Advocacy
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Developed fact sheets highlighting exchange visitor benefits for the Alliance’s 90+ member organizations
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Armed stakeholders with accurate data on economic contributions across multiple states
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Created consistent messaging that emphasized J-1 programs' diplomatic importance and private-sector funding
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Coordinated business community responses in key tourism and hospitality regions
“The team stepped in at a critical moment and delivered. Their strategic media campaign shifted the national narrative, countered misinformation, and spotlighted the value of cultural exchange—bringing calm, sharp messaging, and policy expertise to help protect a vital program under real threat of elimination.”
Ilir Zherka, former Executive Director
Alliance for International Exchange