SAE USA and the Federation of Hellenic – American Educators expressed their satisfaction on the decision to extend the duration of VISA J1 (Visa for the exchange of educators) from 3 to 5 years, for detached teachers from Greece.
This arrangement has been made due to the mobilization and actions of the Members of Hellenic Caucus (*). Stella Kokolis took the initiative on this issue in her capacity as Chair of the Education Committee SAE USA and the Federation of Hellenic – American Educators, who organized a meeting in Washington last October with members of Hellenic Caucus in the Capitol to explore alternative options.
“We are pleased with the arrangement we achieved, due to the fact that Visa J1 caused numerous problems, not only to the detached educators, but also to the Education Coordinators, as the US Authorities asserted claims on their working status and this prevented them from wanting a detachment in the USA” explains Ms. Kokolis. “I would like to thank the members of the Senate, Gus Bilirakis and Carolyn Maloney for their persistent and fruitful actions”.
“Once again, the worth of Hellenic Caucus is being manifested, as well as the genuine interest of American citizens of Greek origin”, said the Coordinator of SAE Region USA, Mr. Spyropoulos. “We are particularly pleased with this development regarding detached educators, which affects the operation of our community schools and public schools with a Greek curriculum.
On our part as Greeks abroad, we must perceive the virtue of Greek – Americans in American politics and support them in any way. Furthermore, once again it is manifested that coordinated actions bear fruit”.
Established in 1996 by Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) and former Senator Michael Bilirakis (R-FL) who was succeeded by his son Gus. M. Bilirakis, the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues works to foster and improverelations between the United States and Greece.
The Caucus brings a renewed congressional focus on key diplomatic, military, and human rights issues in a critical part of the world. The members of the Caucus introduce legislation, arrange briefings on current events, and disseminate information to interested parties.
The topics on which the Caucus focuses include U.S. aid to Greece and Cyprus, the conflict in Cyprus, U.S. relations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the status of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and developments in the Aegean. In the 110th Congress, the Caucus has more than 120 members.
For more information visit: http://maloney.house.gov
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