Keep Calm and Advocate!

So our programs are threatened in a small corner of the West Wing. It is prudent that we fight it with all the force we can muster with our Congressional representation, associations, alliances, constituencies and all other leverage imaginable. What we do is far too critical not to. We will win because we have to and we must.

On the same token we must not back down and succumb to this short sighted and vague exploratory dialogue. We have a Senate Appropriations Amendment supporting due process when it comes to exchanges and a House Resolution supporting them that are poised for passage. The compelling necessity of these programs coupled with the sheer strength of their historical benefits, integrity, and global reach combine to ensure their future safety. We should never stop the fight as there will be more threats to the J-1 experience just as there have been others in the past.

So let’s not let this affect our business processes or make any rash decisions. There are successful Fairs ahead, talented souls to recruit, perfect matches to be made, and an amazingly successful 2018 season to look forward to. I am proud of our solidarity and mobilized passion for what we do and am certain that this spirit will never end.