“There has indeed been a growing trend of misperception and general fear of Sister City relationships.”

Carlo Capua, chair of the board for Sister Cities International, warning about rising skepticism toward international partnerships as states move to restrict ties with certain countries. He pointed to a recent Texas law that prohibits local governments from establishing or maintaining sister-city agreements with “foreign adversaries” such as China, Iran, North Korea and Russia.A similar proposal in Florida would go further, terminating existing sister-city programs with countries of concern — including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Syria and Venezuela — as soon as July 1. Capua said these policies reflect growing fears about foreign influence, even as sister-city programs have historically been used to promote cultural exchange and international cooperation. (Orlando Sentinel)