Washington dc: Filipino nationals are reminded that the J-1 exchange visitor program visa is a nonimmigrant program and does not lead to United States permanent residency nor citizenship. The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC issued the reminder on Wednesday after receiving reports of illegal recruiters and individuals posing as immigration lawyers promising US citizenship through the J-1 program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the visitor program is temporary and designed solely for cultural exchange. "Overstaying in the United States beyond the authorized period of stay is a serious violation of US immigration law, and can result in deportation and long-term bans," the embassy stated.

J-1 teachers are required to return to the Philippines after completing the program and are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement. "Waiver of this requirement is difficult to obtain, not guaranteed, and requires exceptional hardship or highly meritorious circumstances," the embassy said. Illegal recruiters are demanding large sums of money for immigration assistance, and even encourage overstaying, misusing visas, or filing asylum claims solely to remain in the US.

"Teachers who are J-1 visa holders or applicants are urged to participate in the program only with a clear understanding of its objectives and limitations," the embassy advised. "Those considering long-term immigration options must seek advice from a qualified US immigration attorney," it added.

Under the Trump administration, the US has intensified its crackdown on immigration violations, including those overstaying a visa or entering the country illegally. According to the US Department of State, overstaying a visa may cause a national to be "ineligible for a visa in the future for return travel to the United States."