Overview of USAGM Visa Sponsorship Issues
- US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) sponsored hundreds of visas for foreign journalists to work at Voice of America (VOA)
- Hiring practices raise concerns about the use of J1 cultural exchange visas not intended for work authorization
- More than 400 foreign journalists were hired from approximately 2009 to the end of the Biden administration
Investigation Background
- Review of records initiated by Senior Advisor Kari Lake under the Trump administration
- Concerns noted during Michael Pack’s leadership about improper J1 visa usage
- Pack requested a full investigation into USAGM before Biden’s inauguration
National Security Protocols
- House Republicans launched a probe into USAGM's hiring practices after Trump regained power
- USAGM was created in the 1990s to oversee government media entities, notably VOA
- Previous reviews found failures to adhere to national security protocols and personnel security practices
Visa Oversight & Employment Records
- USAGM relied heavily on J1 visas to hire foreign nationals, violating Trump’s "Buy American and Hire American" order
- Allegations of "rubber-stamping" of visa applications and renewals confirmed by new records
- Many foreign nationals received Green Cards shortly into their tenure, contrary to J1 visa requirements
Countries of Concern
- Approximately 100 out of 400 journalists hired from countries with security risks (e. g. , China, Russia, Afghanistan, Iran)
- Trump administration has halted J1 visa sponsorships for agency employees
- Few remaining J1 visa holders at VOA are being phased out
Chinese Nationals in USAGM
- USAGM hired at least three Chinese nationals linked to state-controlled media
- Employees had prior connections with Chinese outlets such as Xinhua News Agency and China Global Television Network (CGTN)
- Social media profiles indicate these individuals worked for CCP-affiliated media
Specific Cases
- Yiyi Yang: Senior Digital Video Producer at VOA, previously worked for Xinhua and CGTN
- Ziyang Wang: Video Journalist at VOA; previously a video editor for state-owned Phoenix TV
- Kaishuo Zhao: Worked as Video Producer at USAGM, joined CGTN after leaving
Congressional Oversight
- House Oversight Committee investigation focuses on misuse of the J1 visa system and vetting issues
- Committee Chairman James Comer and Chairwoman Marjorie Taylor Greene sent a letter requesting documentation on hiring practices
- Their investigation will likely emphasize the ties of some Chinese employees to state media
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