Increase of the Cultural Exchange J-1 Visa

"In a global climate where diplomatic relations and foreign affairs heavily influence a country’s peace and prosperity, the Department of State views the J-1 visa primarily as a tool of diplomacy."

“A tool of diplomacy” - never before has the J-1 visa held so much importance for an administration and the nation. The above was taken from an article written by Melanie Hamner from the Immigration Law Web site. Her article cited the importance and growing relevance of the J-1 visa.

During the past two decades, the number of J-1 visas has more than doubled. After a steep increase in the issuance of the J-1 visa from 2004 through 2008, the number of visas issued has slipped due to the 2009 recession. Despite the recession, many people believe the number of J-1 visas will actually increase in 2010 because of President Obama's priority given to educational and cultural exchange programs which the J-1 visas facilitate.

Upon taking office in January, Obama requested a large increase in the 2010 budgeted spending, including $633 million allocated for State Department educational and cultural exchanges (J-1 programs). The request looks to be not only granted, but raised to around $635.2 million according to a press release from the Senate Appropriations Committee.

All the talk about the increased number of J-1 visas means great news for the Au Pair program. Au Pairs come to the U.S. on a J-1 visa and the increased funding only increases the chances for more visas for the Au Pairs program. goAUPAIR is looking forward with anticipation to the approval of the increased budget and the resulting increase of the J-1 visas.

Hamner summed up the situation about the J-1 visa with this, "An impending budget increase in addition to the rhetoric of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton suggest that Washington aims to improve foreign relations by establishing new programs and bolstering existing ones to facilitate cultural and educational exchange. As these initiatives start to take effect and as the economy begins its recovery, the J-1 visa is expected to once again continue on its path of growth, offering more opportunities for diplomacy, career enhancement, work place diversity, and academic advancement while supporting our country on its way to achieving a higher level of Global awareness and understanding."