U.S. Moves to Protect Labor Supply After Embassy in Mexico Halts Visa Processing
March 16, 2020 The U.S. Embassy in Mexico will suspend processing visas, citing COVID-19 concerns. It is effective beginning March 18, 2020, and there is no date given for resuming processing visas. This move seemingly threatens the H-2A program just as the main planting season approaches.
“The situation is very fluid. If one takes the statement literally, it would suggest that non-immigrant visa processing will stop. However, the notice speaks to ‘routine’ processing and allows room for ’emergency’ processing,” says Craig Reggelbrugge, Senior Vice President with AmericanHort, a national association for the ornamental industry.
Visas Continue for Ag, But Expect Bottlenecks
The State Department sent out a notice to H-2A program participants, informing them they continue to process H2 cases (H-2A and H-2B). It will prioritize returning guestworkers. Those who were to join the program for the first time in 2020 may not make it into the program.
“Because limited interview appointments will be available, we may cancel some first-time applicant appointments that have already been scheduled,” the State Department statement says.
It is unclear how the process for clearing visas will happen and the level of delays that it might create.
Here is the full notification:
Notice to H-2 Petitioners: In response to the global pandemic COVID-19, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and all U.S. consulates in Mexico will cancel routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services starting March 18, 2020. This includes both visa interviews at the consulate as well as processing at the Centros de Atención a Solicitantes (CAS).
We intend to continue processing H2 cases but will need to modify our procedures in order to facilitate the social distancing recommended by health authorities. The U.S. Consulate General Monterrey will prioritize the processing of returning H-2 workers who are eligible for an interview waiver. Because limited interview appointments will be available, we may cancel some first-time applicant appointments that have already been scheduled. If circumstances change, we will contact you with additional information.
As a reminder, “returning H-2 workers (IW)” are applicants whose H-2A or H-2B visas have expired in the last twelve months and are now applying for the same visa classification and did not require a waiver the last time they applied for a visa. Please do not make IW appointments for first-time applicants or applicants who require an interview every year due to law enforcement or immigration violations. First-time applications will not be processed if they are submitted as returning applicants.
This is a developing story and we will provide updates as it progresses.
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