Dear AFS-USA Volunteers,

We recognize that many of you have (and are receiving) questions from potential host families or local community members about how the current political environment might affect high school exchange programs. The press coverage over the past few days regarding the reorganization at the U.S. Department of State and the revoking of visas for a growing number of university students who are on F1 visas has understandably created a greater level of concern. We recognize that you need clarity and confidence in how to respond to these concerns.

Here’s what we know and can share at this time:

No High School J1 exchange students have been impacted by visa revocations.

Since AFS-USA President Tara Hofmann last communicated to volunteers about the changes our organization implemented in order to comply with the Executive Orders on DEI, there have been no further changes or revisions communicated to AFS-USA for our programs (Sponsored Programs and Core) or regarding our planning for the 2025-2026 cycle. We are moving forward with placements and preparations as scheduled.

AFS-USA is closely monitoring developments in Washington, DC. We are fortunate to be an active member of the Alliance for International Exchange, the primary advocacy organization representing the international exchange community. Our president, Tara Hofmann, currently serves as the vice chair of the Alliance for International Exchange which provides us with timely insights and direct engagement in conversations that matter. Our Senior Director of Risk Management, Compliance, and Intercultural Education, Robin Weber, serves on the board of CSIET (Council on Standards for International Educational Travel) and is able to provide additional insights into current developments impacting the exchange community. Likewise, we are in close communication with the U.S. Department of State and other advisors.

We have received no communication that would indicate impending changes to programs or regulations under the Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State, the Bureau under which AFS operates both as an implementer of ECA sponsored programs and as a designated sponsor of J1 (aka BridgeUSA) secondary school program. Despite this, as a matter of good stewardship, the AFS-USA Board and Executive staff are preparing internally for a range of potential future scenarios. Our priority remains the safety of our participants, the continuity of our programs, and our strong compliance with government regulations.

Useful Talking Points for AFS Volunteers:

When speaking with potential host families or community members, you might consider the following comments:

“AFS-USA is continuing our exchange programs as planned. We’re actively placing students for the upcoming school year, and there have been no changes communicated from the U.S. Department of State that impact our operations or program expectations per the announced reorganization.”

“AFS-USA has long-standing partnerships with the U.S. Department of State and is actively involved in national advocacy through the Alliance for International Exchange. We are monitoring the situation closely.”

“AFS-USA has weathered many political changes over its nearly 80-year history, and our mission continues—bringing people together, even when the world feels divided.”

This year it is more critical than ever for AFS-USA to meet our placement obligations, placing all students in compliant host family/school placements by the U.S. Department of State deadline. Our efforts and success in placing all students on time is the best way we can demonstrate how important these programs are to communities across the United States.

We recognize the need to share more as the landscape continues to evolve, and we are committed to keeping you informed. Your voice—and your questions—are heard and appreciated.

If the need arises again for a call to action, we will ask you, as we have done in the past, to contact your Congressional Representatives.

Meanwhile, if you have concerns or ideas about how we can better support your conversations in your community, please contact Melvin Harmon at mharmon@afsusa.org.

With gratitude,

AFS-USA