Labor Delays

Labor Delays

Labor Delays. I'm Greg Martin with Washington Ag Today.

H-2A users across the country are seeing significant delays at both the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Kristi Boswell of the American Farm Bureau Federation says this delay is coming right before peak demand for H-2A workers hits.

BOSWELL: This year we're seeing more farmers turn to the H-2A visa program to ensure they have access to a stable and legal workforce. As we enter this peak harvest season in the summer with blueberries, peaches, cherries really coming to season, we're extremely concerned with the delays we're already seeing and how DOL and USCIS will handle going forward with more applications.

With a lack of farm labor it will be hard pressed to get crops to market.

BOSWELL: We've heard from members across the country, in well over 20 states, that they're already seeing delays on both ends, from the Department of Labor and the USCIS, these delays are causing significant revenue losses. This is why we're raising attention to make sure that everyone's aware of the impact these delays can have.

They're working hard to bring attention to this issue.

BOSWELL: The American Farm Bureau is working with our industry partners to engage members of Congress to make sure that they're aware of their constituent needs and also to work with USDA to be an advocate for us with their counterparts in the Department of Labor and USCIS.

And that's Washington Ag Today. I'm Greg Martin, thanks for listening on the Ag Information Network of the West.

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