The journalists of Voice of America has a Statement about the status of the U.S.-based foreign journalists working for the Voice of America (VOA). The Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the U.S. reported the statement, on the website of the organisation.
The Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the U.S. published:
“We support VOA Foreign Press Community
July 16, 2020
According to recent reports, some U.S.-based foreign journalists working for the Voice of America (VOA) may face the possibility of not having their visas renewed, and would have 30 days to leave the country.
The abrupt decision has caused professional and personal uncertainty for many of these foreign journalists, who suddenly see their careers and lives dismantled. They are accredited foreign journalists who are working legally in the United States and reporting for their countries around the world. Some of them are also registered members or affiliated with the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States. These journalists have been pursuing and revealing the truth – sometimes against the regimes of their own countries. For that reason, we are aware that some fear retribution from their governments.
Both VOA and the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the U.S. respect and acknowledge the crucial role foreign journalists play in sharing important and accurate U.S. news to the rest of the world. The Association of Foreign Press Correspondents hopes that qualified foreign journalists working for VOA in the United States will continue to be treated fairly and with respect regarding their lives and professional careers.
We believe that foreign journalists/affected employees of VOA should be able to continue their work of informing the public internationally through their objective reporting and commitment to the truth.
Source: AFC-USA