In a recent letter to the US Congress, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and a coalition of 36 human rights organisations raised urgent concerns for the safety of United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) employees following President Trump’s executive order that dismantled the agency. They presented policy recommendations to aid 11 journalists imprisoned abroad and to protect USAGM personnel from deportation to countries where they could face persecution.
On 1 April 2025, the coalition urged Congress to impress upon the US administration, particularly the State Department, to provide vital support for foreign journalists associated with USAGM. Many of these journalists now confront imminent dangers if compelled to return to their home countries due to their prior critical reports.
RSF’s Director General, Thibaut Bruttin, voiced the coalition’s sentiment stating, “It is outrageous that these journalists, who risk their lives to expose the extent of repression…might be completely abandoned.” He emphasised that the US Congress must uphold its moral and democratic responsibility to safeguard these reporters operating under USAGM-funded outlets.
Following Trump’s decree on 14 March, USAGM ceased distributing essential funds to independent media such as Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), who cover sensitive topics in repressive regimes. As a result, 11 USAGM journalists are currently imprisoned; they include five in Vietnam, two in Russia, and others in Belarus, Azerbaijan, and Myanmar, some enduring draconian sentences.
Moreover, at least 84 journalists with USAGM ties, on work visas, now face potential deportation to their home countries where they could be arrested and harassed. Those from regions like Belarus, China, and Vietnam are particularly vulnerable, as highlighted by reports from both RFA and VOA.
The coalition’s recommendations include urgent calls to the State Department for resources to secure the release of imprisoned journalists, assist in expediting immigration applications for those at risk, and arrange a Congressional hearing to discuss their plight. They also suggest legislative action to address the fragile legal status of these journalists following USAGM’s dismantling and a reinstatement of green card processing for affected refugees and asylum seekers.
RSF has demonstrated its commitment to protecting USAGM journalists. Recently, a US judge temporarily halted the dismantling of the public broadcaster following a legal challenge by RSF and union representatives.
On 1 April 2025, RSF and 36 human rights organisations urged Congress to protect USAGM journalists facing imprisonment and deportation following President Trump’s dismantling of the agency. They emphasized the need for congressional action to secure resources for journalists in peril and to advocate for immigration protections, reflecting a commitment to uphold press freedom and defend reporters in danger.
The urgent plea from RSF and the coalition of human rights organisations reflects a critical imperative to protect journalists whose lives are jeopardised by political upheaval and agency dismantling. With many facing imprisonment or deportation, only decisive action from Congress and the State Department can secure their safety and uphold press freedom. The coalition’s comprehensive recommendations aim to ensure that no journalist is left vulnerable to persecution, affirming the commitment to defending democracy and humanitarian principles.
Original Source: rsf.org
