H2A and H2B Programs

As one of the primary agricultural states in the country, California farmers and ranchers rely heavily on a large labor force in order to meet the demands of the industry. For decades, the available pool of interested domestic workers has continued to shrink, resulting in a more significant reliance on non-native laborers. The H-2A and H-2B visa programs are two of the most critical sources for such workers, but they also represent a complex and often challenging process by which producers must navigate to secure their visa applications. CAFB continues to engage with coalition partners in working with federal and congressional leaders not only to find ways to streamline the application process, but to also make it more affordable as wage rates continue to climb.