Feb 1, 2017

Legislators Propose Moving H-2A Program to USDA

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Congressman Chris Collins (R-NY) have introduced the Family Farm Relief Act of 2017, legislation to move the H-2A Agricultural Visa program from the Department of Labor to the Department of Agriculture to better meet the unique labor needs of agricultural and horticulture businesses.

“This commonsense legislation simply puts the H-2A agricultural visa program in the hands of those who best understand the specific needs of our farms,” said Congresswoman Stefanik.

The Family Farm Relief Act of 2017 takes measures such as allowing visa applicants to fill out H-2A applications on paper or online, requiring a user-friendly online system, and ending requirements on advertising and prevailing practice surveys, according to press release from Stefanik’s office.

This legislation also allows farm cooperatives and other agricultural associations to apply for workers for their members and requires reporting to Congress if delays occur in the H-2A Visa application process.

To view the bill text, visit http://stefanik.house.gov.