YOUR ADVOCACY NEEDED ! (See below to participate.)
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The US Department of State has issued proposed changes to the J1 Visa program. J1 Visas are the most common type of Visa granted for international camp counselors and support staff. The proposed rule changes would have a negative impact on the camp community's ability to use international staff.
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| Annually, more than 25,000 exchange visitors are placed in American camps as camp counselors and support staff. |
| Read the proposed rule changes |
| Specific proposed changes: |
| Prior to issuing a Form DS-2019 (which then facilitates an applicant's ability to apply for a Visa) a sponsor must verify which camp the applicant will be working at during the summer. |
| All third parties (camps) would be required to provide a Dun & Bradstreet identification number. |
| All sponsoring organizations (in ACA’s language, this is the camp placement agency) must have obtained Dun & Bradstreet Information Reports on all third parties with whom they conduct business. |
| Key Messages regarding the impact these changes would have on camps. |
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| You have three ways to advocate. Participating in all three will help your voice be heard! |
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1. The US Department of State is accepting public comments regarding the proposed rule changes now through November 23, 2009. Advocate
today by submitting your comments via their online site: |
- View ACA's key messages to help you develop your own comments.
- View what others have posted as comments.
- Submit your own comments online.
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2. Write directly to the Department of State by
emailing them directly. It is quick and easy! We
have a sample letter you can edit
and the technology to send the email
directly where it belongs. Advocate Now |
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3. Write directly to your own legislators as a concerned constituent and ask for their support in getting the proposed rules changed. It's
quick and easy. We have a sample
letter you can edit for your own
situation, and the technology to
automatically send it to your legislators
based upon your zip code. Advocate Now |
| This is especially effective if your Senator serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This includes individuals from the following states: CA, CT, DE, GA, ID, IN, MA, MD, MS, NH, NJ, NY, OK, PA, SC, TN, VA, WI, WY. View all Committee Members |
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| Questions? Contact the ACA Public Policy Department. |
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