Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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VOA Journalists Fly Home After USAGM Fails to Renew J-1 Visas

Jessica Jerreat

   This week, Valdya Baraputri had been scheduled to broadcast live from
   the Republican National Convention. Instead, she and a colleague were
   on a flight home to Indonesia on Monday, after the U.S. Agency for
   Global Media did not renew the J-1 visas that allowed them to work for
   Voice of America.

   Baraputri is one of at least 15 VOA language service journalists due to
   return to their country of origin in coming weeks. Their J-1 visa
   renewals came up as USAGM's new leadership initiated a review into the
   specialized entry permits for individuals with unique skills. Another
   20 journalists, including some who are from repressive countries, have
   visas expiring by the end of the year.

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