International Advocacy Coordinating Committee (IACC)

The International Advocacy Coordinating Committee (IACC) is the advocacy subcommittee of the Commission on International Initiatives (CII). The advocacy priority areas of IACC include:

• Education abroad and exchange programs;
• Immigration policy;
• International higher education and development programs; and
• Title VI international education.

The International Advocacy Coordinating Committee is supported by a coalition of U.S.-based APLU members that contribute through an annual assessment to fund advocacy for higher education international programs and research. IACC priorities include funding for universities within the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill such as the U.S. Department of State Study Abroad Initiatives, Feed the Future Innovation Labs, and federally supported higher education programs and partnerships. From an authorizing and agency engagement perspective, APLU maintains awareness and engagement with the United States Government on issues related to immigration issues and Title VI international education.

APLU’s IACC Team

• Craig Lindwarm – general oversight of governmental affairs
• Bernie Burrola – immigration policy and international student issues
• Marcus Glassman – international agriculture and development 
• Ashley Amian – immigration policy, Title VI, and international student fellowships and visas

This team is located in Washington, DC and is dedicated to advancing the IACC legislative agenda through coordination with the Commission on International Initiatives and Council on Governmental Affairs as well as the Commission on Food, Environment, & Renewable Resources as appropriate.

The impact of IACC can be seen in important provisions impacting higher education in the Senate-passed comprehensive immigration issues bill, House and Senate State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bills, as well as important language on study abroad in the Labor, Health, and Human Services, and Education Appropriations committee report.

For more information on IACC, please contact Jordan Merker.