CALIFORNIA - Tom Nassif, Western Growers' President and CEO, sent a letter to its membership last week launching a call to action, as some members are facing increasing delays in the processing of H-2A applications at both the Department of Labor and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
"Delays in processing of H-2A labor certifications and visa petitions are routinely exceeding statutory deadlines," said Jason Resnick, VP and General Counsel for Western Growers. "These delays are happening with greater frequency and for longer durations threatening the production of fresh fruits and vegetables in the United States and the viability of the family farmers who grow them. We are urging the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to reconfigure processes to ensure timely processing of H-2A applications and petitions and calling on our members to press them to do the same.”
According to Nassif, if the current systemic failures continue, the impacts will be devastating for growers.
Western Growers is urging the industry to reach out to their House and Senate representatives to ask that they push for solutions to address delayed H-2A applications by the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- CLICK HERE for suggested talking points to keep in mind when you engage with your Representatives.
- For House member contact info, CLICK HERE
- For Senate member contact info, CLICK HERE
While members of Congress are in their districts during the Easter Recess (Senate March 19th through April 4th; House of Representatives March 24th through April 11th), now is a great time to make a difference.
Western Growers sent a letter to members of the California delegation last week, communicating the concerns over the growing H-2A delays. While the processing delays have had the most direct impact on California program users, other states can expect to also be impacted.
To read the full letter click here.
Now is the time, so take a few moments to learn more about, and support, this cause.
