U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) helped lead a bipartisan contingent of 20 other members of Congress in urging the U.S. State Department to reopen U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs facilities to process visa applications for the J-1 Visa BridgeUSA program, which is suffering low participation due to severe processing delays caused by the pandemic.
“We are writing to express our concerns regarding efforts undertaken by the Bureau of Consular Affairs that are negatively affecting the economy and workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the lawmakers wrote in a May 24 letter sent to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Specifically, Rep. Curtis and his colleagues requested that the State Department ensure a timely and sufficient process for participants in the J-1 Visa BridgeUSA program, which provides international exchange students the opportunity to experience and learn about the people and culture of the United States.
The program, which includes the Summer Work Travel (SWT) and Camp Counselor programs, also enable students to work temporary seasonal jobs to help offset the costs associated with such cultural experiences; supplement the teams of many seasonal businesses around the country; and are vital to the economic, public diplomacy and foreign policy interests of the U.S. at little to no cost to the American taxpayer, according to their letter.
“Utah’s culture and scenery have long drawn students, teachers and more from across the world to work and play in our state,” Rep. Curtis said in a May 26 statement. “Not only do BridgeUSA participants fill important roles and facilitate cultural exchanges within the U.S., they take home valuable experiences and friendships that enhance international relationships and cooperation.”
“I am hopeful that we can soon welcome J-1 visa holders back to Utah and continue this vital international partnership,” he added.
In their letter, the lawmakers pointed out that the SWT and Camp Counselor programs are at a critical juncture for the summer 2022 season and they “are concerned that the present restrictions and visa processing delays will prevent participants from visiting the U.S. this summer,” and, in turn, could leave U.S. employers unable to meet their seasonal workforce needs.
The members urged the State Department to consider the economic implications of the program applicant processing delays and called for additional action to be taken to expedite the visa processing.
Among the lawmakers who joined Rep. Curtis in signing the letter were U.S. Reps. Blake Moore (R-UT), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Peter Meijer (R-MI), David Valadao (R-CA), and Chris Pappas (D-NH).