International visitor programs in Oregon halted due to funding

International exchange programs that brought leaders from around the world to Oregon are currently on hold due to a freeze on funding from the U.S. State Department. These programs allowed participants to learn about American culture and politics, and support U.S. foreign policy goals. WorldOregon, a nonprofit organization in Portland, had to cancel a planned visit from Latin American entrepreneurs this spring. Derrick Olsen, the president of WorldOregon, expressed concern about other upcoming visits from young leaders and high school students from different countries. The funding freeze began in mid-February, but the State Department had said payments would resume by the end of that month. However, that did not happen. The rationale for the exchange programs is to give international leaders a chance to understand America better. WorldOregon typically receives between $250,000 to $300,000 each year from the State Department, making up about a quarter of its budget. So far this year, the organization has lost $75,000 in funding due to the freeze. Most of the funding helps support local businesses in Oregon, such as hotels and restaurants. With uncertainty about when the funding will restart, WorldOregon is working to raise money through an upcoming fundraiser. Olsen emphasized the importance of these exchange programs for American foreign policy, noting their adaptation to different presidential administrations.