On July 3, 2025 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, President Trump unveiled a proposed new form of sponsorship for agricultural workers. If enacted, this could reshape how U.S. employers access foreign labor, especially in agriculture.
Now, what is the H-2A Visa?
The H-2A program allows U.S. agricultural employers to hire foreign seasonal or temporary workers when there aren’t enough U.S. workers available. It’s a lifeline for farms and growers that depend on labor during peak harvest and planting seasons.
Who Qualifies?
To hire H-2A workers, employers must:
- Offer temporary or seasonal agricultural work;
- Prove that there are not enough U.S. workers available;
- Show that hiring foreign workers will not negatively impact U.S. wages or working conditions;
- Provide housing and transportation for the workers.
How the Process Works:
- Recruitment and Labor Certification – Employers must apply for a temporary labor certification through the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Petition with USCIS – Once certified, employers file a petition with USCIS for H-2A workers.
- Visa Processing – Workers apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate abroad and, if approved, enter the U.S. to begin work.
A proposed Trump-backed sponsorship model could simplify or rework this system, possibly shifting more responsibility to employers or limiting eligibility based on enforcement priorities. While details are still speculative, employers should stay informed and ready to adapt.
If you’re a grower, vineyard owner, or part of a labor-dependent agricultural operation, now’s the time to review your workforce planning and understand your options under the current H-2A system—and prepare for potential policy shifts ahead.
Have questions about the H-2A process or sponsorship strategies for your business? Let Visawolf guide you through this process.
#ImmigrationLaw #Agriculture #H2A #LaborStrategy #WorkforcePlanning #Visas #SmallBusiness #Farming #ImmigrationPolicy #BusinessOwners.
Lorena Coll, Esq.
Visawolf, PC
Concord, California