The Au Pair program in the U.S. has been a foundation of cultural exchange since 1986. While it has evolved over the past 35+ years, its core mission of fostering international understanding remains unwavering. The enduring success of the program is proof of the power of diplomacy and mutual understanding.
Along with other exchanges, the Au Pair program has enjoyed strong bipartisan support over the years and will continue to be supported into the future. Go Au Pair works closely with organizations, like Alliance for International Exchange for the purpose of maintaining this support in spite of continuous changes in Congress and Administrations.
The Au Pair program has proven it can evolve in response to shifting global dynamics, regulatory updates, and changing expectations from participants. Below we respond to recent events occurring at the Federal level and our interpretation of risks or impacts. Check back often for updates – newest updates at the top.
Table of Contents
Date Published: 3/5/2025
February 27, 2025: Politico Article – Trump wants to shrink the State Department’s size, reach and focus
A Politico article reports “President Donald Trump wants to radically shrink the State Department — leaving it with fewer diplomats, a smaller number of embassies and a narrower remit…”
The article states “POLITICO also obtained a list of potential consulates that could be cut. The targets mentioned are in Rennes, Lyon, Strasbourg, and Bordeaux in France; Dusseldorf, Leipzig, and Hamburg in Germany; Florence, Italy; Ponta Delgada, Portugal; and Belo Horizonte, Brazil.”
Currently, Go Au Pair has no confirmation of cuts within the State Department and has not seen negative impacts to J1 visas. Should the embassies listed above be impacted, those posts are not common locations for our Au Pair candidates obtaining visas so we would expect little to no impact
Lastly, the article implies “The USAID cuts suggest the State Department’s bureau that focuses on human rights and democracy could get scaled down if not axed…If the trend continues, other State bureaus that could be in danger include the Educational and Cultural Affairs bureau; the Conflict and Stabilization Operations bureau; the bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.”
At this time Go Au Pair has no confirmations of actual risks to ECA and has not experienced negative impacts to the Au Pair Program. We continue to believe in the positive support Au Pairs provide to working American parents, the profound impact their experience in America has on the rest of their lives back in their home country, and the overall benefit as a diplomacy tool.
Date Published: 2/28/2025
February 23, 2025: Email “What did you do last week”
NPR reported “a federal government- wide email asking employees “What did you do last week?” plunged workers and agencies into a weekend of confusion and conflicting directives. It’s reported White House advisor, Elon Musk, said “failure to reply would be taken as resignation.” But some department officials told their employees they could hold off on responding.”
Go Au Pair is a private company and our employees are not federal employees. While the email has no impact on us, the federal employees at the Department of State and U.S. embassies will be responsible for their own response. As of February 26, 2025 we have not been made aware of any negative affects to the federal staff who participate in the Au Pair Program.
Date Published: 2/28/2025
February 21, 2025 Judge allows Trump Administration continued dismantling of USAID
In relation to executive order, Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid, issued on January 20, 2025 AP News released an article stating “A federal judge on Friday cleared the way for one of the Trump administration’s remaining steps in its dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), allowing it to move forward with pulling thousands of USAID staffers off the job in the United States and around the world.”
Go Au Pair does not work with the The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and are not dependent on its funding or resources.
Date Published: 2/28/2025
February 21, 2025: U.S. Federal Judge blocks portion of DEI Executive Order
Multiple media outlets like the Washington Post and AP News reported February 21, 2025 a “U.S. district judge allowed for a preliminary injunction that blocks parts of the Executive Order relating to DEI that would require certification that federal contractors do not engage in DEI practices. The order also prohibits enforcement of the order against public companies and universities.”
Similar to our prior response Go Au Pair is a private entity, making both the original order and the injunction non-impactful. Neither the original order nor more recent injunction negatively affect the enduring spirit of cultural exchange in the Au Pair program.
The Au pair program remains unaffected by this executive order and continue to focus on cultural exchange and childcare opportunities for international adults and U.S. families.
Date Published: 2/28/2025
February 12, 2025: One Voice for America’s Foreign Relations
In the executive order issued by President Trump on February 12, 2025 it’s outlined that “all officers or employees charged with implementing the foreign policy of the United States must under Article II of the United States Constitution do so under the direction and authority of the President. Failure to faithfully implement the President’s policy is grounds for professional discipline, including separation. The personnel procedures of executive departments and agencies (agencies) charged with implementing the President’s foreign policy must therefore provide an effective and efficient means for ensuring that officers and employees faithfully implement the President’s policies.”
This fact sheet states “President Trump is committed to safeguarding the integrity of U.S. foreign policy by ensuring that America’s interests are prioritized through a unified diplomatic voice” and “The Order guarantees a strong and effective approach to international relations that always serves U.S. interests first.” Lastly, the Executive Order released on January 20, 2025 titled AMERICA FIRST POLICY DIRECTIVE TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE states “As soon as practicable, the Secretary of State shall issue guidance bringing the Department of State’s policies, programs, personnel, and operations in line with an America First foreign policy, which puts America and its interests first.”
The Au Pair program is a successful foreign diplomacy tool and therefore we believe is well aligned to any initiatives resulting from these orders. The Program’s unique structure has international young adults to living in the homes of U.S. families and experiencing, first hand, American values which they take with them back to their home country.
According to an Reuters article “Sources said some embassies had been asked to look into reducing both U.S. staff as well as locally-employed staff by 10% each, with a list of the workforce due to be sent to the State Department by Friday, which will then determine further actions.”
Although the risk of embassy staff reduction could have negative impacts to the visa process for Au Pairs, as of the issuance of the order, Go Au Pair has not received any reports from our international partners regarding issues with Au Pair J1 visa appointments or visa approvals. At this time we have no further information of which embassies may be impacted, which staff, or what impacts there could be to Au Pair visas.
Date Published: 2/28/2025
February 2, 2025: Are Au Pairs at risk of deportation or detention by ICE? (FAQ)
The following communication was distributed to members of the Go Au Pair community in response to growing concerns over Au Pairs being misidentified by ICE.
Au Pairs actively under sponsorship in the Au Pair Program are not at risk
U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s mission is to protect America through criminal investigations and enforcing immigration laws.
Au Pairs actively under sponsorship in the Au Pair Program are not illegal immigrants. Au Pairs receive legal non-immigrant J1 Visas, enter the U.S. legally as evidenced by Form I-94 , live here temporarily and return home at the end of their program. Au Pairs under sponsorship are not at risk of deportation or detention.
An Au Pair encountering an ICE agent is highly unlikely. But if concerns exist, Au Pairs can consider:
- Carrying a copy of their Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record.
- This document demonstrates you entered the U.S. legally, explains your visa type and permitted length of stay
- Form I-94 is obtained electronically by the Au Pair, 10 days after arrival
- Au Pairs may download additional copies of Form I-94 from (How to obtain the I-94 for Au Pairs (How To))
- Carrying a copy and/or photo of Form DS-2019
- This document demonstrates your sponsorship under Go Au Pair in the Au Pair Program and always contains your current program dates
- Keep important contact details handy so you know who to call if encountered by an ICE agent.
- Host Parents phone numbers and address
- Local Success Coach phone number
- Go Au Pair’s 24 hour phone number found in the Au Pair Workbook.
- Go Au Pair headquarters phone number 888-287-2471
- Avoid popular locations of known or suspected illegal immigrants, especially criminals
- Au Pairs should always be thoughtful and aware of the people they spend time with
- Preserve valid sponsorship under Go Au Pair
- Au Pairs should keep in regular contact with Go Au Pair via their Local Area Representative, Placement Coordinator, or any other point of contact. Especially during re-match situations Go Au Pair always needs to know where Au Pairs are physically located and what their plans are.
- Carry copies and/or photos of other identifying or legal non-immigrant status documents such as: J-1 Visa, U.S. Driver’s License, passport from home country
- Au Pairs traveling outside of the U.S. for vacation during their program should submit all DS2019 copies to Go Au Pair for travel validation. Travel Validation Requests & International travel Requirements (How To)
- When travelling outside the U.S. the Au Pair should bring:
- All copies of Form DS-2019 (printed, signed by the Au Pair and travel validated by Go Au Pair)
- J-1 Visa
- Passport from home country
- Other forms of U.S. identification such as social security card or driver’s license
- A printed copy of the Department of State’s message about BridgeUSA programs allowing electronic DS2019 transmission located here https://j1visa.state.gov/u-s-department-of-state-announces-updated-options-for-form-ds-2019/
- Au Pairs are responsible for researching any requirements for reentry into the U.S. Au Pairs must research entry requirements for the country visited. Visa requirements and travel restrictions will be different for a Host Family of U.S. origin than for the Au Pair from their home country. Start research early as paperwork may take time to obtain. Au Pair travel outside the U.S. is limited to a 30-day maximum at one time.
- When travelling outside the U.S. the Au Pair should bring:
At this time we are not aware of any unique considerations regarding Au Pair travel state to state. If you are concerned about traveling outside your state make sure you follow the information above for paperwork you should have with you.
Date Published: 2/28/2025
January 28, 2025: Fork in the Road – Deferred Resignation Email to Federal Employees
In an email President Trump issued a number of directives concerning the federal workforce. In an article by the Associated Press they outline “A memo from the Office of Personnel Management, the government’s human resources agency, also said it would begin subjecting all federal employees to “enhanced standards of suitability and conduct” and ominously warned of future downsizing. The email sent to millions of employees said those who leave their posts voluntarily will receive about eight months of salary, but they have to choose to do so by Feb. 6.”
Go Au Pair is a private business entity meaning the contents of the email are not applicable and do not affect the operations of Go Au Pair or its employees directly. Go Au Pair is a U.S. Department of State J1 visa sponsor and therefore works closely with and is reliant on federal employees at the Department of State, U.S. embassies and consulates, and the OMB. There is a small risk the deferred resignation could reduce the number of federal employees at the Department of State or employees working at U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the world however, as of the order’s published date we have not seen hinderance of operations at the federal level.
Date Published: 2/28/2025
January 20, 2025: White House Executive Order – Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) Programs
The President’s executive order states in Sec. 2. Implementation. “Sec. 2. (a) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), assisted by the Attorney General and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), shall coordinate the termination of all discriminatory programs, including illegal DEI and “diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility” (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the Federal Government, under whatever name they appear.”
Go Au Pair is a private entity and not part of the Federal Government therefore making this order not applicable to us. The Au Pair Program as a whole, however, heavily relies on Federal involvement from the State Department, OMB and Embassies worldwide therefore Go Au Pair must comprehend the EO’s objectives and appropriately align. The Au Pair program is not at risk from the issuance of this executive order. Since our inception in 1989, Go Au Pair has celebrated cultural exchange, international understanding, and the unique person-to-person relationships that occur between international Au Pairs and families in the U.S.. We have always fairly and uniformly enabled access to the Au Pair Program for both our Au Pair and Host Family Participants in accordance to State Department regulations. We have not altered any of our marketing, recruitment or operational practices in response to DEI initiatives being introduced and therefore do not need to alter any in response to the order. The Au Pair Program has always been centered on expanding U.S. diplomacy around the world through the rich diversity of countries Au Pairs come from. This executive order currently does not affect the enduring spirit of cultural exchange in the Au Pair program.
Date Published: 2/28/2025
January 20, 2025: White House Executive Order – Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid
This order issued by the President asserts “it is the policy of United States that no further United States foreign assistance shall be disbursed in a manner that is not fully aligned with the foreign policy of the President of the United States.”
In Sec. 3. (a) the executive order states a “90-day pause in United States foreign development assistance for assessment of programmatic efficiencies and consistency with United States foreign policy. All department and agency heads with responsibility for United States foreign development assistance programs shall immediately pause new obligations and disbursements of development assistance funds to foreign countries and implementing non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and contractors pending reviews of such programs for programmatic efficiency and consistency with United States foreign policy, to be conducted within 90 days of this order. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) shall enforce this pause through its apportionment authority.”
In a press statement on January 26, 2025 from a Department of State spokesperson it claims “The mandate from the American people was clear – we must refocus on American national interests. The Department and USAID take their role as stewards of taxpayer dollars very seriously. The implementation of this Executive Order and the Secretary’s direction furthers that mission. As Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said, “Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue must be justified with the answer to three simple questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?””
The Au Pair program is not considered a foreign aid initiative and Go Au Pair specifically is a private entity which does not receive foreign aid related funds. Go Au Pair is not impacted by any changes in foreign aid policy at this time. While the Au Pair program has proven to be a successful diplomacy tool sharing U.S. culture with young international adults worldwide, it does not fall into the category of foreign aid.
Date Published: 2/28/2025
November 12, 2024: No risks to the Au Pair Program under another Trump Administration
The following communication was distributed to members of the Go Au Pair community in response to Trump’s re-election to President.
Dear Go Au Pair Community,
We understand there may be feelings of concern in our community over the uncertainty of actions which may possibly impact the Au Pair Program in the next Presidential Administration.
Go Au Pair does not believe the Au Pair Program is in any danger nor are we concerned about operating under a Trump Administration.
President-elect Trump was President from 2017 to 2020. During that time there were no changes made to the Au Pair Program outside of the COVID related suspensions. The U.S. Federal Government operates with three branches (Executive, Congress and Judicial) exactly to prevent a single President from operating unilaterally without the other two branches.
The Au Pair Program, along with other exchanges, have enjoyed strong bipartisan support over the past 35+ years and will continue to be supported from both sides into the future. Sponsors work closely with organizations like the Alliance for International Exchange for the purpose of maintaining this support through the continuous changes in Congress and Administrations.
Statements made on President-elect Trump’s campaign website indicate proposed actions related to illegal immigration. Au Pairs actively under sponsorship in the Au Pair Program are not illegal immigrants. Au Pairs receive non-immigrant J1 Visas, enter the U.S. legally, live here temporarily and return home at the end of their program. Au Pairs under sponsorship are not at risk of deportation and statements made about illegal immigration are not applicable.
Other statements made on President-elect Trump’s campaign website indicate proposed actions which the Au Pair Program aligns with such as admitting foreign nationals into the country who contribute positively to U.S. society and economy, lowering cost of living prices for everyday services, supporting families and supporting working parents.
Proposed Federal budget cuts are an action which could impact the Program as visa and State Department monitoring processes require governmental resources. However, Au Pair Program sponsors like Go Au Pair are private companies which do not receive any federal funding and program participants pay SEVIS fees to cover the costs of visa interviews and processing. The execution of the Au Pair Program is a minimal expense of the Federal budget and is unlikely to be considered wasteful governmental spending.
As always, Go Au Pair encourages participants and partners to make the decisions they are most comfortable with related to their future participation in the Au Pair Program after evaluating their own concerns and risks; we will always uphold our end of contractual agreements.
The United States is and will always be a great place! And the participants of the Au Pair Program who are actively sharing U.S. culture and the cultures of their home countries help make the United States and the world even greater!
Thank you,
Devon Kapler
Executive Director
