BridgeUSA Program Resolution Receives Strong Industry Support

Over 400 organizations — including the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance; the American Hotel & Lodging Association; the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions; The Food Industry Association; the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; and the U.S. Travel Association — support the resolution introduced in June by Reps. Blake Moore, Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas. This resolution reaffirms bipartisan Congressional support of the U.S. Department of State BridgeUSA programs — formerly the Exchange Visitor J-1 Visa Program.

The BridgeUSA programs were created alongside the Peace Corps and U.S. Agency for international development during the Cold War to promote the diplomatic and foreign affairs goals of the U.S., which the State Department still advances in administering BridgeUSA as a federal cultural exchange program. 

“The BridgeUSA program provides exchange students from around the world the opportunity to experience and learn about the people and culture of the United States,” says Jakob Wahl, president and CEO of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. “The exchange visitors are helping staff the business while adding diversity to their teams to enhance the guest experience.”

The programs make travel to the U.S. possible for a broad and diverse group of approximately 300,000 international students and young people from 200 countries and territories each year.

“The aquatics industry truly appreciates Representatives Moore, Kuster and Pappas for recognizing the value of exchange visitors to our nation,” says Sabeena Hickman, president and CEO of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. “Pools and other aquatic venues provide fun and safe places for families to enjoy. The Summer Work Travel participants who work as lifeguards not only acquire valuable surveillance and rescue skills but also fill an important role within the industry and the larger community.”

In addition to helping fill seasonal positions, the program also plays a role in international relations, says Jon Baselice, vice president of immigration policy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“[The] Summer Work Travel program participants help meet the critical workforce needs for many seasonal businesses,” Baselice says. “More importantly, the cultural exchanges created by these opportunities serve as a critical soft power tool for our nation. These experiences create lifelong people-to-people connections between Americans and the international students that participate in these programs, which increases mutual understanding among our nations.”