Catherwood LibraryILR School

A visa interview freeze under the Trump administration is causing major disruptions to the J-1 exchange visitor program, stranding thousands of au pairs, camp counselors, and seasonal workers abroad. The pause, now in its fourth week, is delaying or derailing summer plans for families, camps, and employers who rely on international workers to fill critical roles. About 40% of au pairs placed by one agency are still awaiting interviews, and over 3,000 camp-related visa applicants remain in limbo. The backlog is also expected to ripple into other employment-based visa categories like H-1Bs, raising concerns across sectors dependent on foreign talent.