--- title: Will Recent Political Changes Affect High School Exchange Students? description: Discover how recent political changes impact high school exchange students and why hosting remains a valuable and safe opportunity for cultural exchange. image: https://blog.icesusa.org/hubfs/govt%20and%20exchange%20students.png --- [![ices@2x](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/ICES_Logo_%20sm_wht.png?width=77&name=ICES_Logo_%20sm_wht.png)](https://www.icesusa.org/)   - [INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS](https://www.icesusa.org/international-student-exchange-programs/) - [HOST A STUDENT](https://www.icesusa.org/host-a-student-overview/) - [AMERICAN STUDENTS](https://www.icesusa.org/american-student-exchange-programs/) - [WORK WITH US](https://www.icesusa.org/student-exchange-careers-and-partnerships/) - [ABOUT US](https://www.icesusa.org/about-us-overview/) - [CONTACT US](https://www.icesusa.org/contact-ices/) - [BLOG](https://blog.icesusa.org) [Let's Talk](https://blog.icesusa.org/contact)subscribe ### I’d like to learn more about Campaign Creators! read # Will Recent Political Changes Affect High School Exchange Students? By [ICES](https://blog.icesusa.org/author/ices) ![](https://blog.icesusa.org/hubfs/govt%20and%20exchange%20students.png) If you're wondering whether it's still safe to host a high school exchange student in today's political climate, you're not alone. Many potential host families are asking whether U.S. visa policies and government changes could affect high school foreign exchange students on the [J-1 visa program](https://www.icesusa.org/). Here's what you need to know—and why the future of cultural exchange remains bright.   ## Are High School Exchange Students Affected by U.S. Political Changes? ![](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-25-2025-02-44-31-6892-PM.png?width=842&height=553&name=image-png-Apr-25-2025-02-44-31-6892-PM.png) There have been news stories about college students losing visas, but these cases involved adults in college-level programs. No high school exchange students have had their J-1 visas revoked or been asked to leave the U.S. High school students continue to arrive safely and attend school through programs like ICES.   ## The J-1 High School Exchange Program Is Protected by Law ![](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-25-2025-02-45-12-1312-PM.png?width=822&height=537&name=image-png-Apr-25-2025-02-45-12-1312-PM.png) The high school exchange student program is based on a federal law passed in 1961 called the [Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title22/chapter33&edition=prelim) (also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act). It was signed into law by President John F. Kennedy to help build peaceful relationships between the U.S. and other countries. Because this program was created by Congress, only Congress can make major changes to it. The[J-1 visa high school program](https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/secondary-school-student) continues to have strong support from both political parties.   ## Trusted Organizations Are Watching Closely—and See No Risk ![](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-25-2025-02-47-27-1716-PM.png?width=800&height=523&name=image-png-Apr-25-2025-02-47-27-1716-PM.png) ICES is a member of the [Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET)](https://www.csiet.org/) and the [Alliance for International Exchange](https://alliance-exchange.org/). These national organizations work directly with the U.S. State Department and monitor visa policy updates. So far, there are no signs that the J-1 high school exchange student program is in danger. Also, because this program is not federally funded, it’s less vulnerable to budget or political changes.   ## Student Demand Is Higher Than Ever ![](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-25-2025-02-48-33-8796-PM.png?width=817&height=540&name=image-png-Apr-25-2025-02-48-33-8796-PM.png) Families around the world continue to believe in the value of sending their children to study in the U.S. In fact, ICES has accepted 200 more students this year than at this time last year—and cancellations are down by 20%. This shows strong confidence in the safety and importance of cultural exchange, even during times of political change.   ## Why Hosting a Foreign Exchange Student Still Matters ![](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-25-2025-02-50-05-1333-PM.png?width=867&height=571&name=image-png-Apr-25-2025-02-50-05-1333-PM.png) Right now, over 1,400 high school exchange students from all over the world are dreaming of attending an American high school through ICES. Many have planned and saved for years. [By hosting, you help make that dream a reality](https://www.icesusa.org/host-a-student-overview/)—and gain an unforgettable experience for your own family too. For nearly 35 years, ICES has helped host families welcome students into their homes and hearts. Hosting truly makes a difference.   ## Your Decision to Host Makes a Powerful Statement ![](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-25-2025-02-55-47-7295-PM.png?width=827&height=550&name=image-png-Apr-25-2025-02-55-47-7295-PM.png) Each family that chooses to host a foreign exchange student sends a message: cultural exchange is still important in the U.S. Your choice supports global understanding and strengthens our place in the world. Participating in this form of [person-to-person diplomacy](https://blog.icesusa.org/you-can-become-a-diplomat-no-passport-required) makes a significant, practical difference both here and abroad.     ## Ready to Become a Host Family? ![](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-25-2025-05-46-04-4973-PM.png?width=997&height=658&name=image-png-Apr-25-2025-05-46-04-4973-PM.png)By welcoming a high school exchange student into your home, you're not just offering them a life-changing experience—you’re creating one for your own family too. [Hosting a J-1 visa student](https://www.icesusa.org/hosting-an-international-student-faqs-4/) builds cultural understanding, lifelong friendships, and lasting memories. In a time when the world needs more connection, your choice to host makes a real difference. Want to learn more? Discover how to become a host family for a high school exchange student today. [![Learn More About Hosting](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5594019/87713500-f2b6-4ce3-8d2d-e465468fdc9e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5594019/87713500-f2b6-4ce3-8d2d-e465468fdc9e)   Tags: [Youth Exchange](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/youth-exchange), [Host an exchange student](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-an-exchange-student), [U.S. Government](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/u-s-government) ### Related Articles ## [Mid-Year Check: Make Your Year Great!](https://blog.icesusa.org/mid-year-check-make-your-year-great) *( read )* Topics: [Youth Exchange](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/youth-exchange), [Host an exchange student](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-an-exchange-student), [U.S. Government](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/u-s-government) ## [Why January Is the Best Time to Say Yes to Hosting](https://blog.icesusa.org/why-january-is-the-best-time-to-say-yes-to-hosting) *( read )* Topics: [Youth Exchange](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/youth-exchange), [Host an exchange student](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-an-exchange-student), [U.S. Government](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/u-s-government) ## [How Different Cultures Celebrate the New Year](https://blog.icesusa.org/how-different-cultures-celebrate-the-new-year) *( read )* Topics: [Youth Exchange](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/youth-exchange), [Host an exchange student](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-an-exchange-student), [U.S. Government](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/u-s-government) ### Subscribe to The Chronicles of Marketing Newsletter ### Posts by Tag - [Cultural Exchange (141)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-exchange) - [Exchange Student (106)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/exchange-student) - [Host Families (97)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-families) - [Host an exchange student (78)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-an-exchange-student) - [Youth Exchange (68)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/youth-exchange) ## Subscribe to Our Blog Today! ![Boris_ICES_Ads](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Boris_ICES_Ads.png?width=749&height=698&name=Boris_ICES_Ads.png) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "ICES", "url" : "https://blog.icesusa.org/author/ices" }, "dateModified" : "2025-04-25T17:46:48.163Z", "datePublished" : "2025-04-25T17:46:48.000Z", "headline" : "Will Recent Political Changes Affect High School Exchange Students?", "image" : [ "https://blog.icesusa.org/hubfs/govt%20and%20exchange%20students.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.icesusa.org/will-recent-political-changes-affect-high-school-exchange-students", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "International Cultural Exchange Services" } } ```