Page 3 - H 2a News Today

If you’re a farmer who understands the challenges of finding an adequate workforce, you’ve now got NEW revisions to the H-2A visa program.

If you’re a farmer who understands the challenges of finding an adequate workforce, you’ve now got NEW revisions to the H-2A visa program.

In 2024, farmers in 31 states will pay between 50 cents and $1 more.

Two separate rulemakings for the H-2A temporary worker visa program proposed by the Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security have agricultural entities concerned about the high costs and legal authority for the administration to move forward with rules that would dramatically alter the current employer and employee relationship.

Rep. Dan Newhouse, a moderate House Republican and a congressional leader on ag and immigration policy, said Friday he wants to hear from the speaker candidates how they’ll move a farm bill as well as appropriations and other legislation.

A shutdown has been averted, but the battles over federal spending likely are just beginning.

The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered over $540,000 in wages for 268 H-2A workers in North Carolina after uncovering violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the H-2A program.

As farmers and companies in the food and ag sector struggle to find workers, many have increasingly turned to recruiting foreign workers through visa programs, including H-2A. Demand for H-2A workers, who can take seasonal jobs on crop or livestock operations, has been skyrocketing. Meanwhile, others in the sector are trying to use smaller visa programs, such as H-2B or J-1.

Many of Michigan’s migrant farm workers risk injuries, illness, and chronic disease, which often go untreated. State and nonprofit programs are available to help.

Many of Michigan’s migrant farm workers risk injuries, illness, and chronic disease, which often go untreated. State and nonprofit programs are available to help.