June 22 Presidential Proclamation

On June 22, 2020, the White House issued a proclamation suspending some nonimmigrant visas effective June 24 through December 31, 2020, with the possibility of continuation. Potential modifications may also be periodically recommended (within 30 days and every 60 days thereafter) throughout its effective period. The executive action suspends certain categories of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. Section 2(b) of the proclamation details the J-1 visa suspensions, specifically for intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, and summer work travel programs.

The Alliance opposes the inclusion of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program in this proclamation and is continuing our efforts to save these important international exchange programs. The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is an important cultural exchange program, not a work program, and should not be included in any actions suspending employment-based immigration.

We support the U.S. Department of State taking into consideration the situation on the ground in the United States and abroad when it decides how to enable international exchange programs. Decisions about travel from countries abroad and the viability of programs here in the United States should continue to be tied to how those respective areas are dealing with COVID-19.

For the latest news articles on the presidential proclamation and the international exchange community, visit the In the News section of our website.

RESOURCES

Alliance fact sheet on June 22 proclamation

Alliance letter to Assistant Secretary Risch and Royce re: preliminary injunction in the case National Association of Manufacturers, et al. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, et al. (10/7/20)

National Business Survey Fact Sheet: Economic Impact of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Reduction

44 former U.S. Ambassadors letter to White House (7/20/20)

Exchange community letter with 874 signers to the White House (7/2/20)

Write a letter to the White House

Write a letter to Congress

Alliance press release (6/22/20)

 

CONGRESSIONAL LETTERS OF SUPPORT

Congressional letter to President Donald J. Trump on the J-1 Visa Teacher Exchange Program (9/16/20)

Congressional House letter to the White House supporting the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program (9/16/20)

 

LEGAL ACTION IN RESPONSE TO PROCLAMATION

U.S. Department of State: Court Order regarding Presidential Proclamation 10052 (10/09/20)

U.S. District Court for Northern District of California ruling on preliminary injunction in National Association of Manufacturers, et al. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, et al. (10/1/20)

U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruling on preliminary injunction in Gomez, et al. v. Trump, et al. (9/4/20)

Administration’s opposition brief to CA case National Association of Manufacturers, et al. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, et al. (8/19/20)

Amicus brief with 104 signatories supporting J-1 programs in CA case National Association of Manufacturers, et al. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, et al. (8/11/20)

Amicus brief with 104 signatories supporting J-1 programs in DC case Gomez, et al. v. Trump, et al. (8/11/20)

Amicus brief from leading companies and business organizations in support of CA case National Association of Manufacturers, et al. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, et al. (8/10/20)

Amicus brief from 23 State Attorneys General in support of DC case Gomez, et al. v. Trump, et al. (8/07/20)

National Association of Manufacturers, et al. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, et al. (7/21/20)

Gomez, et al. v. Trump, et al. (7/17/20)

 

UPDATES

U.S. Department of State: National Interest Exceptions for Certain Travelers from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland (10/01/20)

U.S. Department of State: Frequently Asked Questions on J Visa Processing (9/15/20)

U.S. Department of State: National Interest Exceptions to Presidential Proclamations Suspending the Entry of Immigrants and Nonimmigrants (8/12/20)

Presidential proclamation suspending nonimmigrant visas (6/22/20)

FT: White House weighs tougher visa restrictions for foreign workers (6/18/20)

WSJ: Trump Administration considers Suspending H-1B, Other Visas Through the Fall (6/11/20)

Presidential proclamation suspending immigration (4/22/20)