Federal Government Updates – Information Sharing from Greenheart
By: Haldis Toppen, Outreach Director, Greenheart International
Since January 2025, there have been many changes from the U.S. Federal Government; some pertaining to inbound exchange programs (Department of State BridgeUSA programs using J-1 non-immigrant visas) and outbound exchange programs, some not. In this guide, we will share regular updates in the hope that it is easier to understand what is applicable and how to follow these new orders, laws and guidance.
Should you have questions regarding these updates, please reach out to your Greenheart representative. We are here for you!
Reports on ECA Funding being reduced
Updated as of April 16, 2025
The Washington Post reported that there was a leaked memo form a former White House staffer, proposing to reduce the budget of the entire State Department by 50%. It is worth noting that this would apply to the FY26 budget which is not slated to be discussed for some time. Additionally, this would be a suggestion from the presidential administration and would have to go through several reviews/approvals before becoming law. In the previous Trump administration, he proposed larger cuts that were ultimately dismissed. Finally, it appears that this memo was from a former staffer, and may not reflect Secretary Rubio’s stance. If you want to communicate with your partners, participants, and networks about the memo: Review this Alliance resource with information on the memo. This is a developing story and once more clarity is shared, Greenheart will keep stakeholders updated.
Visa restrictions, revocations and denials
Updated as of April 16, 2025
Greenheart has been made aware of an increase of visa restrictions, revocations and denials for international higher education students coming to the United States to study. At this time, there is no indication that participants coming on the Bridge USA program (using J-1 non-immigrant) for Intern, Trainee, Teacher, Summer Work Travel nor High School are affected or are/will be targeted.
Reports of international higher education students being detained by ICE
Updated as of April 16, 2025
There also have been reports of international higher education students being detained for various reasons. Greenheart is not privy to the reason for all these incidents. However, as a BridgeUSA visa sponsor, it is our responsibility to ensure their health, safety and welfare of all our exchange visitors. Because all of our exchange visitors are here legally, there is no reason they would be detained by Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
If questioned, we have recommended that participants carry a copy of their passport and official documentation proving their legal status. All American hosts and administrators have been informed of this guidance so that our participants are handled with care. Should a mistake happen and a participant is detained, there are protocols in place to work with the appropriate authorities to release them.
Enhanced social media vetting as part of the visa process
Updated as of April 16, 2025
U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has instructed consular officers to conduct enhanced social media vetting of certain F, J and M visa applications who meet the following criteria:
- An applicant that the officer has reason to believe has openly advocated for a designated foreign terrorist organization;
- An application who was previously in the U.S. on an F-1, J-1, or M-1 visas between October 7, 2023 and August 31, 2024; or
- An applicant whose previous SEVIS record was terminated between October 7, 2023 and now.
If an applicant is found to have supported terrorist activities or organizations during this review, they will not be eligible for a visa. The guidance gives wide discretion to consular officers to determine what qualifies as evidence supporting terrorist activity or demonstrating public approval for a terrorist organization.
The message sent to Consular Officers notes that a visa applicant “need not express explicit support for terrorist activity” and that “a degree of public approval or public advocacy for terrorist activity or a terrorist organization” will suffice for a visa denial. It is further noted that “This may be evident in conduct that bears a hostile attitude toward U.S. citizens or U.S. culture (including government, institutions, or founding principles). Or it may be evident in advocacy or sympathy for foreign terrorist organizations. All of these matters may open lines of inquiry regarding the applicant’s credibility and purpose of travel.”
The Alliance for International Exchange has provided a resource to help our exchange visitors prepare for their visa appointment, as well as tips for handling their arrival to the U.S. When referencing this document, it’s important to remember that the guidance provided is solely a recommendation and should not be construed as legal advice.
Funding for grant programs FLEX, YES, and ASFSWT
Updated as of April 16, 2025
Greenheart is an implementing partner for three Department of State grants: FLEX Future Leaders Exchange Program, YES Programs, and Ambassador Scholarship Fund. These grants are supported by taxpayer money and thus are appropriated by Congress and administered by the Secretary of State. This funding is imperative for Greenheart to administer programs, particularly for those students who are in the U.S.
In January 2025, there was a pause on funding due to a OMB memo sent to all federal agencies. This memo was quickly revoked but payments were not immediately reinstated. Then on February 12, there was a 15-day pause issued by the Department of State on all funding to confirm that all DOS-grants are aligned with current Presidential priorities.
Funding has resumed, but in batches. Greenheart remains in constant contact with our colleagues at the Department of State to ensure funding is flowing and participants are taken care of.
Reduction in federal workforce
Updated as of April 16, 2025
In January 2025, all federal employees received a memo stating that they had the option to resign from their position by February 12 or to stay in their position. If they resigned, they were compensated. If they stayed, it was explained that there was no guarantee that the position would remain in the future.
Since then, there have been reductions in specific agencies across the federal government, including the dissolution of USAID and reduction in workforce at Department of Education. While a few individuals took the opportunity to resign from their position, there has been no indication that an additional reduction in the workforce at the Department of State will happen at this time. Greenheart continues to work with our colleagues in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to administer our exchange programs. Additionally, we continue to monitor visa issuance. At this time, there has not been a reduction in appointments.
Participants traveling on programs outside of the U.S.
Updated as of April 16, 2025
At this time, the federal government changes in the U.S. have not directly impacted our travelers planning or departing on their programs with Greenheart Travel. However, we continue to encourage our participants to monitor events policy changes in their respective host countries.