Member Communications: Keeping You Connected
| AESA offers four distinct electronic publications as well as our Federal Updates blog designed to keep members informed, engaged, and connected. These communications provide valuable updates, insights, and resources tailored specifically for educational service agencies (ESAs). | |||
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State Department Pauses Appointments for J Visas
Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a consular cable to U.S. embassies and consulates regarding F and J visa appointments. According to news coverage, “the memo instructs consular posts to pause processing of J visa applications while the Department develops procedures to expand social media screening.” While the intent appeared to focus on international students, the guidance was broadly worded and is currently being interpreted by posts as applying to all J categories—including teacher, camp counselor, au pair, and summer work travel programs.
ED Publishes New Discretionary Grant Priorities
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) published a set of competitive grant priorities that the agency says it intends to apply to all discretionary grants moving forward. Grant competitions will incorporate three new priorities: “evidence-based literacy,” “school choice,” and “returning education to the States.”
Federal Judge Orders ED to Re-Hire Workers Subject to RIF
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction on Thursday ordering the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to reinstate employees who were terminated under the March 11th reduction in force (RIF). The order also prohibits the administration from implementing the March 20th Executive Order to dismantle ED.