US: Statement on J-1 visa programs amid COVID-19 crisis

By Vakkas Dogantekin

ANKARA (AA) - Responding to a written question by Anadolu Agency late Friday regarding the fate of J-1 exchange programs this year, a U.S. State Department official said the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) wants to play it safe amid coronavirus outbreak in the U.S.

"The situation regarding COVID 19 continues to evolve rapidly. The health, safety, and welfare of exchange participants, and of the Americans with whom they interact, remains the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) highest priority," the official said in an email statement.

"ECA has asked that all sponsors of J-1 Visa exchange visitor programs follow the steps that ECA is taking to address COVID-19-related concerns for U.S. government-funded exchange programs," the official added.

Last week, the ECA announced that it will "temporarily pause all ECA-funded programs that involve travel to and from countries with heightened Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Alert Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) and Warning Level 3 (Avoid Nonessential Travel) OR State Department COVID-19 related Travel Advisory Levels 3 (Reconsider Travel) and 4 (Do Not Travel)."

Department of State Sponsors are authorized to issue the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status (Form DS-2019), which is the basic document to support an application for an exchange visitor visa (J-1 Visa).

"Consular officers at embassies and consulates overseas determine whether to issue J-1 visas to applicants to enter the United States. Consular sections around the world have adjusted, or may adjust, their provision of consular services depending on the local context. Visa applicants can visit the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where they are applying for a visa for more specific information," the statement further explained.

Every year, thousands of international university students and graduates arrive in almost all American states via J-1 exchange programs for a temporary opportunity to work and live in the U.S.

The death toll from novel coronavirus in the U.S. has climbed to 69, with around 3,800 confirmed cases, according to Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.

President Donald Trump declared a national emergency Friday in an attempt to stem the spread of virus in the U.S.

COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China last December, and the World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a pandemic.

According to Worldometer, a website that compiles new case numbers, the virus has so far spread to nearly 160 countries and territories.

Out of roughly 173,000 confirmed cases, the death toll is over 6,600, while more than 77,500 of them recovered.

The current number of active cases is over 88,500, with 93% in mild condition, and 7% in critical condition.