Among the employment immigration issues that can arise for U.S. businesses and foreign workers in the farming industry are issues connected to H-2A visas. These are temporary U.S. work visas for farm workers from other countries.
This work visa program has many special rules attached to it. This includes special rules on the rights H-2A workers have and the restrictions they are subject to. It also includes special requirements for employers of H-2A workers. These special rules can raise a range of unique legal issues for workers and employers alike. When a foreign worker or a U.S. employer is responding to legal issues related to an H-2A visa, they may find it helpful to get assistance with the matter from an attorney knowledgeable on employment immigration matters.
Issues related to H-2A visas could be becoming an increasingly common type of employment immigration issue for companies and foreign workers in California and the U.S. in general, as the use of such visas has been growing lately.
While the past few years have seen growth in the use of the H-2A program, it appears such growth is particularly pronounced this year. According to recent federal data, nearly 70,000 farm jobs received approvals to be filled through H-2A workers in 2017’s opening three months. In comparison, the first three months of 2016 only saw a little over 50,000 positions get such approvals.
Recent times have also seen California jump in its ranking for H-2A activity. Data points to California having risen to being the No. 4 destination in the nation for H-2A workers.
One wonders what the rest of 2017 will hold for H-2A trends in California and rest of America.
What do you think is causing this visa program to see increased use lately?
Source: NPR, “Government Confirms A Surge In Foreign Guest Workers On U.S. Farms,” Dan Charles, May 18, 2017
