By: Marcelle Benedicta, Vice President, Marketing & External Relations
On March 4, 2026, I attended my first Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. Before this trip, the U.S. Congress had always felt somewhat distant to me … something I followed in the news rather than a place I imagined walking into myself. That changed the moment I stepped into the office buildings on Capitol Hill.
Walking through the hallways of the House and Senate offices for the first time was surreal. These are the spaces where decisions are made that shape the lives of millions of Americans. Congress passes laws, funds government programs, conducts hearings, and oversees the executive branch. I had learned about these responsibilities through textbooks and news coverage, but being there in person made them feel much more real.
I was there to represent Greenheart International alongside my colleagues Haldis Toppen and Tyler Brown, joining fellow members of the Alliance for International Exchange. Together, we met with congressional offices to share the value of international exchange programs and why continued bipartisan support from Congress is so important.
Throughout the day, I was struck by how much these conversations depend on connecting policy to real experiences. Programs and legislation can sometimes feel abstract in policy discussions, but international exchange programs have tangible effects on communities across the United States. Meeting directly with congressional staff gave us the opportunity to bridge that gap by sharing both stories and data that illustrate their impact.
International exchange programs allow people from around the world to travel to another country and participate in cultural, educational, and professional development experiences. In the United States, these programs help build a stronger workforce, support local communities, and contribute to the economy. They also foster connections that often last long after participants return home.
During our meetings, we focused on two key requests for 2026:
- Encourage Secretary of State Marco Rubio to maintain strong J‑1 visa issuance at U.S. embassies and consulates. Without consistent visa processing, communities across the country feel the impact—especially seasonal businesses and host organizations that rely on exchange visitors.
- Urge House and Senate Appropriators to protect BridgeUSA programs from policy changes made outside the formal rulemaking process. Stability and transparency are essential for sponsors, hosts, and participants alike.
The numbers underscore why this matters. In 2023 alone, 181,510 BridgeUSA participants across five programs contributed an estimated $811.2 million to the U.S. economy through everyday spending on housing, transportation, food, and other necessities. And beyond the economic impact, more than 1.7 million global leaders are alumni of U.S. exchange programs—87% to 98% of whom share positive messages about their experiences here.
By the end of the day, my understanding of advocacy had shifted. It is not just about policy requests or statistics … it is about showing up, sharing experiences, and helping policymakers understand the people behind the programs they support.
For someone visiting Congress for the first time, the experience was both humbling and encouraging. It reminded me that even in a place that can feel distant from everyday life, conversations still matter. And sometimes, simply being present and speaking up can help ensure these opportunities remain available for future generations.
Many thanks to the hardworking and dedicated team at the Alliance for International Exchange, led by Mark Overmann, Executive Director, for arranging these meetings and providing numerous helpful resources, as well as trainings, for all of us who participated. Your work makes a difference.
