Following the outcome of the U.S. presidential election and the election of Republican Donald Trump as head of state, many questions have arisen about the future of J1 programs, better known as summer work programs.
International exchange programs are a vital element in maintaining diplomatic relations with the world, as well as an important foundation for preparing young people to become successful leaders and global citizens.
In the immigration policy paper released during the campaign, President-elect Trump called for ending the student programs and for reforming visa rules in a way that could significantly change cultural exchange between the USA and the other countries that send thousands of students on summer work programs.
It should be kept in mind that the Work and Travel programs have had bipartisan support for many decades. They have support both in the U.S. Congress and at the State Department. Sponsor organizations in the USA will work to establish a good working relationship with the Trump administration and to secure a stronger, more solid future for the cross-cultural exchange program.
Despite the many threats, however, it is important to stress that, at present, nothing has changed with regard to either the programs or obtaining a visa. Visas remain valid, and the exchange programs continue to operate.
Any changes that might arise would require considerable time and effort to implement. The exchange programs are part of U.S. federal law, and for any changes to take effect, they must also be approved by Congress, that is, by the Senate and the House of Representatives. An extremely long process.
That's why, at this stage, we believe that summer work programs are not under threat and that the thousands of students who want to travel through the program will have the opportunity to do so this year as well.
We don't yet have all the answers to the question of what will happen to summer work programs going forward, but all our partners are working hard so that students can live their American dream and spend a summer full of unforgettable emotions and experiences.