September 18, 2017 at 3:58 p.m.
Trump to consider reductions in J1 visa program
Change would have major impact in the Northwoods
Trump to consider reductions in J1 visa program
By By Abbey McEnroe-
These programs allow young people from foreign countries to work in the U.S.
The reports of reductions follow Trump's "Buy American Hire American" executive order issued in April.
About 300,000 participants from over 200 countries and territories come to the U.S. on J1 visas each year, according to the State Department's visa site.
In Wisconsin alone there were 10,136 J1 visa program participants in 2016 with 315 participants working in Oneida and Vilas counties, according to the State Department website.
The discussion of eliminating or reducing the J1 visa program prompted executive director of the Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce Krystal Westfahl to reach out to local business for support.
"We, along with many of our tourism partners across the state involved with the Wisconsin Association of Convention and Visitors Beaurau's (sic), and the WI Dept. of Tourism, are lobbying the state congressional delegation and the Trump Administration to stop a potential executive order that would place major reductions on the JI Visa Summer Work Travel Program," the press release reads. "This potential action could have a devastating effect on our tourism industry."
Westfahl describes the J1 visa program as "a way for overseas workers to come and learn a little bit more about our culture here in the U.S. and they get work experience while, of course, being in our most beautiful Northwoods. It's a way for us to fill some much needed seasonal positions by hiring some of these students who are looking for cultural experiences."
If the program were to be reduced or eliminated, Westfahl predicts the tourism industry would fall substantially in the Northwoods, as well as the entire state.
"It would be devastating for most tourism industries and we as a state - not just speaking of the Northwoods, but we as a state - have many, many tourism driven areas, that's where many of our communities will see economic impact from travel, from tourism," Westfahl expressed. "So if we are reducing or eliminating that program the major question is where are the seasonal workers going to come from and that is, I think, the main crux of the issue. By ending that program suddenly we would find ourselves in a lot of trouble."
In an area like the rural Northwoods, seasonal workers are not entirely abundant, and losing J1 program participants could negatively impact many businesses in the area.
"Ultimately what would happen is, we'd be losing businesses or seeing a reduction in the type of business they are doing and I don't think we want to see either of those," Westfahl stated.
Of the 10 responses to Westfahl's request for business comments, eight commented on the lack of local workforce.
"We have been using the J-1 visa program for 23 years. This program has allowed us to stay in business and operate at the high level of standard that our guests have come to expect, enjoy and appreciate," Sue and John Altschwager of White Birch Village Resort wrote. "Without this workforce we will be forced to make some very difficult decisions. The worst case scenario is closing our doors, but hopefully we can make it work by cutting back on amenities, activities and unfortunately our high standards. The reality is if we continue to lose resorts in the area due to lack of a workforce, there will be less beds for heads and we will lose the tourist to our area. #SaveJ1 is a very important fight to keep this workforce so the Northwoods of Wisconsin along with the entire state can continue to be a wonderful vacation destination."
Those who oppose the J1 visa work program often argue the summer work travel program takes away jobs from the local work force, however local business owners say the local workforce is sparse. A study done by EurekaFacts found there was no statistical relationship between the number of summer work travel program participants and youth unemployment rates.
"Since we live and in a seasonal tourist area J-1 students provide a critical and much needed source of employees," Bob Paul of Otto's Pub wrote. "We are finding it more difficult every year to fill all of our needs from the local labor pool. This year we have begun recruiting J-1 students in anticipation of this trend continuing. Without this resource it will be necessary to reduce hours of operation impacting sales, customer service and possibly the viability of a sustainable business. I can say with a reasonable amount of certainty the J-1 program does not deny job opportunities to anyone in the local labor pool."
As well as providing much-needed workforce, Westfahl mentioned the cultural benefits of having people from different backgrounds in the area.
"We are expanding our ideas, expanding our culture, expanding what it is we know about the world around us, so not only are they bringing their great work ethic here to do these jobs but they're also learning about our culture and learning about the things we hold near and dear to us and vice versa, we're learning from them," Westfahl said. "The more you include these folks from all over the world we're going to see just an increase in our knowledge base."
Those who have come to the U.S on J1 visas are also concerned as they may be denied the opportunity to work in the U.S.
Jemma Jackson of Sheffield, England has come to the U.S. on a J1 visa four times, three times to work and once to study.
Jackson is an international business and German double major. Her home university is University of Hertfordshire but she came to the U.S. under the J1 program to study abroad at San Diego State University. She has also traveled to the U.S. three times to work as a camp counselor in Connecticut.
"The J1 visa programme allowed me to experience new cultures and lifestyles as well as meet a variety of new people, some of which I would class as my closest friends now," Jackson explained. "Being a camp counsellor also gave me the opportunity to provide a positive impact towards young people as well as the chance to introduce my culture and customs to them."
Jackson describes the elimination or reduction of the program as having a negative impact on both those coming to the U.S. to work as well as those from the U.S. who have the opportunity to experience others' cultures and traditions.
Recent amendment
On Sept. 7, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved language to ensure any changes made to the J1 Exchange Visitor Program will be done publicly. Essentially, this amendment was passed with the intention of protecting the J1 program as it requires a transparent process.
Abbey McEnroe may be reached via email at [email protected].
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