H2a Visas Agricultural

Temporary Agricultural work visas are issued to supplement 7% of US seasonal hiring needs.  There were 165,741 visa applications certified in 2016 and 134,368 H2a visas were issued in 2016. The average number of days was 167 and about half of these visas were granted for work in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Washington and California.

Most seasonal agricultural workers are still illegal migrants, so the H2a Visa program could grow to cover this need legally.

https://www.epi.org/blog/h-2a-farm-guestworker-program-expanding-rapidly/

The average wage is $11.12 per hour for a minimum of 35 hours per week. The Pre-employment costs to the employer is $2000.

http://citrusindustry.net/2017/08/04/h-2a-contracts-costs-considerations/

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader