End USAGM J-1 visa use for foreign journalists; require I visas
Mandate says USAGM improperly uses J-1 cultural-exchange visas instead of I visas for foreign journalists, enabling permanent-residency paths and displacing qualified Americans.
Mandate
Mandate Ch. 8 (Media Agencies / USAGM) — J-1 Visa Program Abuses: rather than use appropriate I visas for foreign journalists, USAGM uses J-1 visas so foreign nationals transition into jobs Americans with cultural/linguistic expertise could fill; J-1 holders often seek permanent residency contrary to nonimmigrant intent.
Undo plan
1) Preserve lawful I- and J-visa pathways needed for scarce language skills with labor-market tests, not blanket bans.
2) Publish annual workforce plans showing U.S.-hire first efforts for linguistic roles.
3) Separate immigration status from editorial independence protections.
4) Require DHS/State joint guidance clarifying journalism categories without chilling exile journalists.
5) Verify: share of U.S. citizens/LPRs in language services; audit of visa category use.