A recent article in the Wall Street Journal (August 27, 2017) reported that the Trump Administration is considering major reductions or elimination in J-1 cultural exchange programs, including the Au Pair program.

This activity is to fulfill a major campaign promise of Donald Trump, under his “Buy American, Hire American” program.  The premise is that these young people are “guest workers,” who are displacing American workers.

The au pair program is not a work program - it is a cultural exchange program.

For decades, the privately funded J-1 cultural exchange Au Pair program has been responsible for fostering global understanding in the U.S. and worldwide.

Cultural exchange is the cornerstone of our public diplomacy. Alumni of international exchange programs include 565 current or former heads of foreign governments, 82 Nobel Prize winners, 58 ambassadors to the United Nations, and 26 heads of international organizations. We learn from others and we share our culture. It makes us better and stronger as a nation.

The loss or elimination of this program would have a devastating effect on America’s public diplomacy and cultural relevance.

Please join us in showing your support!