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November 12, 2021
Major Policy Developments, International Travel Resumes, and Latest SVOG News
In This Issue: Employee Retention Tax Credit Curtailed as Infrastructure Bill Passes; New Action Ahead on Shuttered Venue Operators Grants; The Latest on COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Requirements; COVID-19 Travel Bans Lifted: New Policies in Place for International Air Travel; Speak Up Now to Preserve New Charitable Giving Incentives!
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January 23, 2023
DHS Proposes New Fees: Includes Steep Increases for Artist Visas, Harmful Policy Changes
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a proposed rule that would impose very steep increases to some of its filing fees, including for O and P artist visas applications filed by U.S. petitioners. The comment period is open until March 6, 2023, and DHS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expect to take several months to review public feedback and consider adjustments.
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March 10, 2023
Last Chance to Weigh In on Drastic Artist Visa Fee Proposal
The opportunity to respond to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposed rule on visa filing fees has been extended and will now close on Monday, March 13. This proposal would more than triple the cost for O and P artist visas applications filed by U.S. petitioners.
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June 9, 2021
New USCIS policies aim to improve visa process
Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced policy changes that will support improved visa processing, specifying opportunities for artist visa petitioners.
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March 1, 2022
Solidarity with Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a betrayal of humanity. In the face of this attack on an independent nation, with innocent citizens being killed, maimed, or forced to flee their homes, we may feel powerless as arts organizations to make a difference. Nonetheless, this past week the classical music world has moved swiftly to respond to unfolding events and many American orchestras have expressed their solidarity with the people of Ukraine in powerful ways.
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August 25, 2021
Update on the Afghanistan National Institute of Music
The world is sadly aware of the events in Afghanistan and of the danger faced by women, girls, journalists, and all those who helped the Americans during the war. Less visible is the danger faced in Afghanistan by musicians of all ages, and the Taliban’s history of denying the human right of access to music and music-making.
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August 6, 2020
Steep Artist Visa Fee Increases and Policy Changes to Take Effect October 2, 2020
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has denied the requests outlined in detailed comments (PDF) submitted by the League and national nonprofit arts stakeholders in response to the DHS December proposal to impose very steep increases to some of its filing fees, including for O and P artist visas applications. DHS finalized (PDF) its fee increases and policy changes, to take effect beginning October 2, 2020
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March 11, 2021
Advocacy Work Continues!
Please continue to speak up to let your members of Congress know the ways in which COVID relief is supporting your orchestra and your community. While much attention has been given to COVID relief legislation, there are other bills that will need support in the coming weeks and months as well.
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February 12, 2020
Reminder! IRA Rollover is a key giving incentive
Many orchestras have received significant new contributions since the IRA Charitable Rollover provision was made permanent in 2015, allowing individuals age 70-1/2 and older to make direct, tax-free transfers of up to $100,000 per year (up to $200,000 for married couples) from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) to qualified charities.
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April 10, 2020
International Artist Visas
Orchestras in communities of all sizes frequently engage international guest artists. In the wake of COVID-19, policy solutions are needed as arts organizations and global artists pivot to reschedule planned performances.