In response to the steps taken by the State Department to increase processing of H-2A visa holders through consulates around the world – in particular, the expansion of interview waiver eligibility to ensure that the majority of H-2A processing can continue, Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia issued the following statement:
“Western Growers applauds Secretary Pompeo and the State Department for taking a practical approach to meeting the critical workforce needs of U.S. agriculture while protecting the health and safety of agency employees. American farmers are dependent on guest workers from the H-2A program to harvest our crops, and American consumers are dependent on the food from these harvests for continued sustenance during the present crisis.
“The steps taken by Secretary Pompeo to expand the categories of individuals eligible for interview waivers will ensure minimal disruption to the flow of guest workers at a time when our farming companies are redoubling their efforts to provide our nation with a safe, healthy, abundant and affordable food supply. We are grateful to the State Department, and the broader Administration, for listening to the needs of the agriculture community and implementing this common-sense solution.”
Secretary Perdue applauds State Department’s H-2 decision
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement in response to the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to authorize temporary waivers for in-person interviews for eligible H-2 visa applicants.
“Temporarily waiving in-person interviews for H-2 visa applicants streamlines the application process and helps provide steady labor for the agriculture sector during this time of uncertainty,” said Secretary Perdue. “H-2 labor is vital to the economy and food security of America – our farmers and producers depend on these workers to continue to feed and clothe the world.”
For more information:
www.wga.com
www.usda.gov