JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — An organization that has brought thousands of foreign exchange students to the United States is telling its staff and host families that it will fight a State Department decision to suspend the company from the popular visa program, according to an email obtained by The Associated Press.

The San Diego-based Pacific Intercultural Exchange, or PIE, has been one of numerous companies designated by the State Department as an official sponsor to arrange exchanges for high school students. The sponsors often charge fees that can add up to thousands of dollars. The State Department suspended PIE from the program last week for undisclosed rule violations. The organization can appeal.