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NEW YORK - Filipinos on temporary J-1 work-study exchange programs are having a tough time bearing the effects of COVID-19, as the pandemic gravely affected the US tourism, hotel and restaurant industries.

J-1 is a temporary non-immigrant visa issued by the US Embassy and managed by the Department of State for individuals who participate in work and study exchange visitor programs.

According to Philippine Consul General Claro Cristobal, there are 775 Filipino J-1 visa holders in 2019 in the 10 states covered by the Philippine Consulate in New York.

"It’s a visitor program, it is not an employment program, it is not a way or a door for migrating to the US. Every one of them is expected in the US for a definite, finite period of time, and to return to our country after their training," Cristobal said.

At least 300 Pinoy J-1 workers are members of a Facebook community that describe themselves as J-1 workers from the Philippines working in hotels and restaurants across the US.

"I am from Iloilo, Philippines. I am a pastry baker at Omni Orlando at Champions Gate here in Florida," said Rhea Mae Aldezada.

Jeffrey Caballero, 20, said he was an intern as a line cook in Dallas, Texas before the COVID-19 pandemic.

"But because of the pandemic, I was terminated 2 months earlier than what’s written in my contract," he said.

The coronavirus pandemic and the stay-at-home orders left many abruptly terminated from their work-study programs.

Many are out of status and broke.

"We are already staying in our house for a month already, since we got terminated last March 18. It’s kinda hard time for us because we are paying our bills from our savings, but we know for sure that can’t sustain us for so long," said Aldezada.

Cristobal said the consulate has received at least 57 requests for assistance from J-1 holders, 15 of them asking for financial assistance.

"We have asked for assistance from the Philippines and our migrant workers affairs office, our OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration), our CFO (Commission on Filipinos Overseas) have been considering those requests and extend some assistance," he said.

Many of the J1 Pinoys said going home is not an option at this time as flights are limited and overpriced. Many of them also owed huge debts after paying outrageous placement or program fees to their recruiters, ranging from $4,000 to 10,000.

Caballero said they already contacted their visa sponsors and local agencies to take responsibility for their safety and well-being in the US.

However, there is no assurance that they could go back to the program after the pandemic.

"If ever that I go home or go back to the Philippines, automatically the P300,000 that I gave to the local agent will be forfeited," Yvette Peña.

Local Filipino organizations such as the National Alliance of Filipino Concerns have been sending J-1 Pinoys some groceries and other necessities to help them survive the pandemic.

Read more on Balitang America.