A New York Times investigation reveals systemic mistreatment of J-1 visa holders participating in U.S. cultural exchange programs, particularly seasonal workers and interns in the New York region. Reports document visa workers facing hazardous conditions, excessive labor hours, chemical exposures, workplace injuries, and threats of deportation at nurseries and other employers. The investigation underscores regulatory gaps and challenges facing visa holders promised immersive training but subjected to exploitative manual labor, raising urgent concerns about program oversight and worker protections.