This message was sent to NACAC members on June 3, 2025

At a time when the landscape of college admission counseling is growing more complex and uncertain, I want to reassure you that NACAC is your chief advocate. Your work is challenging, and we are with you every step of the way.

We are meeting with members of Congress, joining amicus briefs in key legal cases, collaborating with partners across higher education, and showing up on Capitol Hill to make your voice heard. Some of this work is highly visible — you’ll see it in our public statements, on social media, in the NACAC Bulletin, and through member updates. Some of our most critical efforts happen behind the scenes, through quiet negotiations, coalition building, and strategic action — especially important in today’s polarized and rapidly shifting policy environment.

We are working to protect the values you uphold and to advance the policies students and institutions need to thrive. Here are a few of the most pressing developments:

  • Reconciliation bill threatens student success and national prosperity: NACAC strongly opposes the reconciliation bill recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation is dangerous — not just for students and institutions, but for the long-term prosperity of our country. It proposes severe cuts to programs that support college access, student success, and institutional capacity. We are engaging with government officials to voice our concerns and advocate for changes that protect students and strengthen higher education. As the Senate prepares its version of the bill, we are monitoring developments and will provide timely analysis and guidance once the Senate version becomes available.
  • Defending international education: The federal government continues to pursue policies that make it harder for international students and scholars to study in the U.S. These measures risk diminishing our global competitiveness and undermining the values of openness and innovation in American higher education. We know the chaos these policies have caused — and the uncertainty they are creating for students and families around the globe. They are also creating major financial and logistical challenges for institutions that depend on international enrollment to support diverse and vibrant learning environments. NACAC is working in partnership with other associations to press Congress and the administration to reverse these trends and recommit to making the U.S. a welcoming and accessible destination for global talent.
  • Building strategic coalitions: NACAC is collaborating with more than 50 education and civil rights organizations to safeguard college access and equity. We’ve signed on to multiple letters and amicus briefs urging lawmakers to reverse course and uphold the essential partnership between the federal government and higher education. These coordinated efforts amplify our collective voice and demonstrate the shared urgency of protecting opportunity and access for all students.
  • Supporting affiliates and members at the state level: We provide support to affiliates and members at the state level to empower affiliates to lead locally while ensuring they have national resources and guidance. When legislation arises, we notify the affiliate’s government relations chair, share context, and collaborate on messaging and strategy. If action is warranted, we align with affiliates, track the bill, provide updates, and offer support — such as crafting communications, developing legislative strategies, posting state-level action alerts, or drafting position papers. We also connect affiliates with national partners to strengthen coalitions. These partnerships reflect NACAC’s commitment to supporting advocacy at every level.

What you can do

  • Join us June 17: Participate in our next Community Conversation webinar (1–2 p.m. ET), where we’ll unpack these issues and provide policy updates.
  • Reach out to Congress: With Congressional recesses during the week of June 30 and throughout August, now is a critical time to schedule meetings or share your perspective with your elected officials. Find your representatives.
  • Add your voice: More than 350 NACAC members have already completed our survey on how federal actions are affecting their work. Your insights help shape our advocacy efforts and strengthen our message to policymakers.
  • Review EducationCounsel’s alert: EducationCounsel released an update yesterday about recent actions by the federal government relevant to education, such as the president’s budget request and directives on international student visas.
  • Join us at NACAC Conference 2025: Coming together as a community is more important than ever. Join us in Columbus, Ohio this fall to hear from leaders across our field as we come together not only to address our shared challenges — but to find the inspiration we need to continue this work.
  • Stay connected: Keep up with evolving developments through our advocacy webpage, the NACAC Newsroom, and on social media (LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram).

Thank you for continuing to show up for students in a time of uncertainty. We see you. We support you. And we will keep fighting for you — on the Hill, in the courts, and wherever your voice needs to be represented.

Onward!