The NewsGuild-CWA calls on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw its proposed rule that would change the I visa program for foreign journalists working in the United States.
The current I visa framework typically allows foreign journalists to work for up to 5 years in the U.S. The proposed change would limit journalists to just 240 days of work, increasing the likelihood that other countries will retaliate by restricting American journalists ability to gather news for American audiences. This will hurt the United States.
“The United States is supposed to be a beacon for a free press and we should openly welcome all foreign journalists to see what an active, independent press looks like,” said NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss. “The latest proposed rules by DHS are a direct attack on press freedom and would greatly limit the number of foreign journalists working inside the U.S. and sharing news around the world.”
So far, more than 13,000 comments have been made on the register.
If you care about independent journalism, submit a comment to DHS calling on them to drop their attack on a free press.
DHS’ proposed rule follows several other attacks by the Trump administration on press freedom in the United States and abroad. Earlier this year the White House began banning reporters. President Trump has sued several news organizations and used the Federal Communications Commission to investigate and pressure broadcasters and networks. This month a federal judge issued an injunction blocking DHS from brutalizing journalists, legal observers and protestors.