Ongoing US Visa Freeze Disrupts Summer Exchange Programmes
2 Min Read
A continuing freeze on US visa interview appointments is threatening to derail thousands of summer exchange programmes, with young international participants and American host businesses now facing major disruptions.
The suspension, initially intended to last only a few days, has stretched into its third week, leaving stakeholders frustrated by the lack of clarity from the US State Department. The move is affecting participants in the Bridge USA programme, which annually welcomes nearly 300,000 short-term visitors from over 200 countries for study, internships, and seasonal roles.
According to Mark Overmann, executive director of the Alliance for International Exchange, around 3% of international participants in the Summer Work Travel and Camp Counsellor programmes are still without visa appointments. “These numbers are not insignificant,” said Overmann. “They represent thousands of young people and hundreds of American camps and employers.”
The United States has long used exchange visitor visas as both a diplomatic tool and a way to meet seasonal labour needs, particularly in summer. However, this year’s freeze is raising alarm, especially among au pairs, teachers, high school students, and interns expected to arrive for fall programmes.
The visa scheduling halt, announced on May 27, was reportedly to allow consulates to implement enhanced social media screening and vetting. However, further details have not been released, and stakeholders were dismayed when a promised update from the State Department on June 12 was cancelled.
While State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce has assured that the suspension is not expected to be “an ongoing or lengthy dynamic”, uncertainty continues to grow, with summer fast approaching.
Overmann added, “The proof will be not in promises but in appointments.” Until scheduling resumes, both students and host institutions in the US remain in limbo, with time quickly running out for summer arrivals.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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