H2A VISA EXPANDED DURING COVID-19 CRISIS.

H2A VISA EXPANDED DURING COVID-19 CRISIS. 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a rule to provide for expanded availability of non-immigrant visa agricultural worker known as the H-2A visa.

Under this temporary final rule, all H-2A petitioners with a valid temporary labor certification can start employing certain foreign workers who are currently in valid H-2A status in the United States immediately after USCIS receives the H-2A petition, but no earlier than the start date of employment listed on the petition.

Additionally, USCIS is temporarily amending its regulations to allow H-2A workers to stay beyond the three-year maximum allowable period of stay in the United States. These temporary changes will encourage and facilitate the lawful employment of foreign temporary and seasonal agriculture workers during the current COVID-19 national emergency.

The temporary final rule is effective immediately upon publication in the Federal Register. If the new petition is approved, the H-2A worker will be able to stay in the United States for a period of time not to exceed the validity period of the Temporary Labor Certification. DHS will issue a new temporary final rule in the Federal Register to amend the termination date in the event DHS determines that circumstances demonstrate a continued need for the temporary changes to the H-2A regulations.

The H-2A nonimmigrant classification applies to alien workers seeking to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature in the United States, usually lasting no longer than one year, for which able, willing and qualified U.S. workers are not available. In fiscal year 2019, USCIS processed 15,483 H-2A petitions.

HOUSE PASSES BILL TO PROVIDE AGRICULTURAL VISA

HOUSE PASSES BILL TO PROVIDE AGRICULTURAL VISA

Yesterday, the House passed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act which would establish a new program for agricultural workers in the United States  – similar to DACA – which would allow workers employed on a continuing basis in agriculture to obtain legal status. The status would be as a “Certified Agricultural Worker” (CAW).  The visa would be for three years and could be renewed. Spouses and minor children would obtain status too.

Additionally, this bill streamlines and simplifies the H-2A program to make the program more attractive for employers and employees.

The program has an annual cap, but the cap could be increased upon request of the Secretaries of Agriculture and Labor.

The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 260-165. Even though it was supported by significant numbers of Democrats and Republicans, it is not clear if it can pass in the Senate or whether Donald Trump would sign it into law.