UNITED STATES - While the computer glitch that prevented the State Department from clearing thousands of temporary visas at the start of the summer harvest has been partially repaired, issues remain according to a report from the Wall Street Journal’s Miriam Jordan. To read her complete article, click here.
“The database responsible for handling biometric clearances has been rebuilt and is being tested,” Ashley Garrigus, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. State Department, said, according the WSJ report. While Garrigus did say that about 50 consular posts worldwide are now online and issuing visas, Jordan reported that many agricultural workers are still stuck at the border awaiting entry.
As we previously reported, the State Department was unable to issue any temporary visas, H-2A visas included, on June 9th when a central database wasn't receiving biometric information (such as fingerprints and other identifiers used for security screenings) from U.S. consulates worldwide. While it was determined the malfunction was not the result of a cyber attack, the ramifications to the agricultural industry have been significant.
Steve Scaroni, a labor agent for large California growers, told Jordan that the situation has “become a multi-million dollar loss,” saying that while 200 workers had arrived another 800 were still awaiting visas on Wednesday.
The good news is that at least 45,000 visas were issued by Wednesday, with 1,750 seasonal ag workers gaining H-2A’s. But the process is still on-going.
AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you up to date on the situation as it develops.
