Posted: Thursday, November 7, 2024. 4:03 pm CST.
By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: A Federal Register from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicated that Belize will be added to the list of countries eligible for seasonal work visa programs, effective November 8.
This decision includes the H-2A program for temporary agricultural workers and the H-2B program for non-farm workers.
The announcement marks a reversal of a 2018 decision when Belize was removed from the list due to concerns about human trafficking standards. The H-2A and H-2B programs will provide an alternative, lawful, pathway to irregular migration for Belizean nationals seeking economic opportunities in the United States.
However, the U.S. DHS cited significant progress made by Belize since then, particularly in meeting standards set by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA).
“The Secretary of Homeland Security has also determined, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, that Belize should be designated as an eligible country to participate in both the H-2A and H-2B nonimmigrant visa programs because its participation is in the U.S.’s interest consistent with the regulations governing these programs,” the DHS stated in the notice.
“Adding Belize to these programs would contribute to DHS’s goals of promoting economic development and improving bilateral commercial relationships with Belize. Additionally, while irregular migration of Belizean nationals to the United States remains low, [the] inclusion of Belize in the H-2A and H-2B programs will provide an alternative, lawful, pathway to irregular migration for Belizean nationals seeking economic opportunities in the United States,” the DHS added.
The notice also highlighted that Belize’s visa overstay rate was less than 5 percent in 2023, a rate comparable to other countries on the eligibility list.
In 2018, Belize was removed from the list due to its “Tier 3” ranking in the U.S. Department of State’s annual Trafficking in Persons report, which indicated that the country was not fully meeting the minimum standards for combating human trafficking.
However, Belize’s rating has since improved to “Tier 2,” reflecting significant efforts to address trafficking issues.
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The post Belize added to U.S. seasonal worker visa programs appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Thursday, November 7, 2024. 4:03 pm CST. By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: A Federal Register from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicated that Belize will
The post Belize added to U.S. seasonal worker visa programs appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
