Society of Professional Journalists: Media Visa Campaign

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Campaign Leader
Konnie LeMay
Editor, Lake Superior Magazine
(218) 722-5002 x107
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International Journalism Committee
The International Journalism Committee works to improve and protect international journalism and encourage the free practice of journalism in all countries.

For the purposes of this committee, international journalism is defined as any journalism that involves foreign journalists, that takes place overseas, or that deals with international affairs.

To improve international journalism, the committee will do some or all of the following:

— Write articles about international journalism for Quill.
— Put together a panel on a topic related to international journalism at the annual convention.
— Lend assistance to journalists when they ask for our help, both American and foreign, to the extent we are able to do so.
— Create resources of use to international journalists and make them available via the Web, printed guidebooks, or other means to both foreign and American journalists.
— Find ways to bring foreign journalists to the U.S. and American journalists overseas for fellowships, conferences, and other educational purposes.

To protect international journalism, the committee will do some or all of the following:

— Draft press releases and letters on behalf of international journalism or international journalists.
— Lobby Congress in favor of measures that support international journalism.
— Work with other organizations on international projects related to freedom of speech, freedom of information, and similar issues.
— Act as a watchdog on U.S. government agencies that may attempt to restrict international journalism.

Are you interested in serving on the committee? Please contact our committee chairs to find out how you can help.

Home > International Journalism > Media Visa Campaign

International Journalism
Media Visa Campaign

While tourists and businesspeople from friendly countries are allowed to stay in the United States for up to three months without a visa, journalists are required to obtain visas no matter how short their stays.

The International Journalism Committee of the Society of Professional Journalists is working to change that. This year, we're planning a concerned lobbying campaign to revise the Visa Waiver Law to include journalists.

Campaign leader:
Konnie LeMay
Editor, Lake Superior Magazine
Work: 218-722-5002 x107

Campaign Resources

— Quill Article on media visas: Department of Homeland Security Expels Legitimate Reporters; US Visa Rules Single Out Journalists With Burdensome Rules
— List of contacts for the campaign
— SPJ press release
— RSF Release
— OSCE media watchdog asks U.S. to clarify detention of French journalists
— US Response to OSCE Letter

Other resources

— Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services
— Visa Waiver Program
— Definition of "business or pleasure"