FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Families for Cultural Exchange Applauds Congressman Huizenga for Championing Legislative Efforts to the Modernize & Strengthen the Au Pair Program

Congress Must Advance Legislation That Would Increase Access to Cultural Exchange Program with Childcare Opportunities

Washington, D.C. (November 18, 2025) — Today, American Families for Cultural Exchange applauds Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) for his introduction of an amendment to modernize the au pair regulatory framework in the successful, comprehensive reauthorization of the U.S. Department of State. The recent passage by the House Foreign Affairs Committee marks the first time State Department programs have been thoroughly reviewed and reauthorized in over 20 years. Congressman Huizenga’s amendment seeks to modernize and strengthen the U.S. Department of State-regulated au pair cultural exchange program, which has built meaningful connections around the world by offering enriching cultural exchange experiences to American families and young people from abroad since 1986.

As our country faces an ongoing childcare crisis, the au pair program offers American families a flexible and affordable solution. In Michigan and beyond, the au pair program is a crucial childcare option for military families and others with non-traditional work schedules such as single parents, first responders, shift workers, and more. Nearly 1 in 8 American families hosting an au pair are military-affiliated (active duty, National Guard, or veterans).

“The au pair program has made us a stronger family and better parents. Our kids are better people because of it – more compassionate, curious, and open-minded,” said Matthew and Diana Witt from Plainwell, Michigan. “Having an au pair lightens our load and helps us step off the hamster wheel of daily life. There’s less stress, more balance, and so much more love in our home. We’ve bonded deeply with each of our au pairs – they’ve become part of our family, and we can’t imagine our lives without them.”

The amendment championed by Congressman Huizenga would ensure national uniformity and clarity across all regulations imposed on the program. While ensuring that the program remains accessible for a diversity of families, the legislation directs the Department of State to modernize and uniformly modify regulations to ensure that au pairs are being compensated fairly for the childcare support they provide and can fulfill their educational requirements.

“We are deeply grateful to Congressman Huizenga for his leadership in recognizing the importance of the au pair program and taking action to strengthen it for the future,” said Natalie Jordan, Senior Vice President at Cultural Care Au Pair. “His championing of this legislation affirms the vital role this program plays not only in supporting American families with flexible and reliable childcare, but also in advancing America’s cultural diplomacy and global engagement. Modernizing this longstanding program ensures that its benefits – both at home and abroad – will continue to thrive for years to come.”

“The au pair program is an essential piece of the childcare equation for many military families,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association. “We’re grateful to Representatives Reschenthaler, Mast, and Huizenga for their leadership on the MAPP Act, which would ensure that the au pair program remains a high quality, affordable childcare option with the flexibility to meet military families’ unique needs.”

An au pair is a young person from abroad who comes to America on a specially designated cultural exchange visa and lives with an American family for a maximum of two years, receiving a weekly stipend, room and board, and educational opportunities in return for providing limited childcare support to their host family. For nearly forty years, the au pair program has been an important form of “kitchen table diplomacy” – breaking down cultural barriers and helping young adults become better global citizens. Nearly 375 families in Michigan rely on the au pair program as a childcare solution and to foster unique cultural exchange in their communities.

About American Families for Cultural Exchange

American Families for Cultural Exchange is a coalition championing the federal au pair program, which bridges cultural divides by offering immersive and enriching exchange experiences to families across the U.S. and citizens of other countries.

###