After a proclamation that suspended the J-1 visa program last year because of the COVID19 pandemic expired, hosts and businesses in Door County are now looking to see what comes next. As it stands right now, the State Department is allowed to issue visas to students who would like to come to the United States through the J-1 visa program. A cultural and educational exchange program, the J-1 visa makes it possible for post-secondary students from other parts of the world to come to Door County for seasonal employment. The caveat is the uncertainty with the virus and the limitations it will present. Destination Door County’s membership director, Phil Berndt notes that nothing is for sure.

Another uncertainty is the amount of students who would be allowed into Door County. Berndt says they are hopeful that they will be able to get more than the very few students they received last year, but he doesn’t anticipate they will get their typical 500 students. According to Berndt, the program helps bridge the gap between students who come to Door County for seasonal employment and employers looking to fill their staff. 

Berndt says that some may get a false impression that J-1 students take jobs from Americans but the opposite is the case. He described them as important to the local economy. Berndt even added that not having J-1 workers can hurt American workers in some cases.  

Berndt says now it is important for employers who have worked with J-1 students before to reach out to their sponsor organizations to find out how they can help facilitate receiving J-1 students this Summer. Employers will also have to understand how to accommodate students amid the COVID19 pandemic.