Comment on DOS_FRDOC_0001-DRAFT-0080

It seems that the proposed changes to rules affecting exchange student programs are borne out of irrational fear. While safety of the student should always be THE most important factor, you should realize that treating host families like criminals will adversely affect the ability of exchange organizations to find and keep host families, and it will add great cost to existing programs. This is a time when we need to enhance and improve exchange programs because of the ways that they expose people to other cultures and break down stereotypes. Why not find ways to bring all of the practices of exchange organizations up to the standards of the very best organizations that arrange exchanges? Find out what works from those good organizations and make the poor performers improve their processes and standards! Thank you for the opportunity to comment.