Assistance in Securing H-2A Visas: A Case Study
By Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas — The office of U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz recently assisted an Edinburg agriculture business in resolving delays with H-2A visa applications. The business, Prime Agriculture Services, run by Juan de Dios Cantu and Rosa Guerra, processes visas for agricultural workers entering the U.S. for temporary farm work.
Visa Application Delays
Prime Agriculture Services encountered complications when visa applications were stalled at a U.S. consulate. Seeking help, Cantu and Guerra reached out to De La Cruz’s office, which promptly reviewed the situation and submitted inquiries regarding the pending applications.
Juan de Dios Cantu remarked, “We were very lucky to receive help from Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz’s office. Everything was resolved the very next day.”
Rosa Guerra explained the timeline: “We contacted the congresswoman’s office on Thursday, and by Friday, everything was cleared up. They had a solution in hand, and the consulate released our workers’ visas the following Monday.”
Importance of the H-2A Program
The H-2A visa program allows U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals temporarily for agricultural work. Employers must demonstrate that there are not enough qualified U.S. workers and that hiring H-2A workers will not negatively impact wages or working conditions for similarly employed workers.
Cantu emphasized the significance of the H-2A visa: “It’s a valuable opportunity for people from other countries to work in agriculture, especially given the tough times farmers have faced in recent years.”
Ongoing Support
De La Cruz has been active in addressing H-2A issues impacting South Texas agriculture. In August, she engaged with agricultural leaders to discuss labor shortages and visa program enhancements.
Cantu praised De La Cruz’s staff, particularly a staff member named Lulu, who helped resolve their case efficiently. He highly recommends contacting her office for assistance with similar issues.
Video Testimonial
For more details, watch their video testimonial about the experience: Click here.
This case highlights the vital role local congressional offices can play in assisting businesses with immigration-related issues, ensuring that agricultural operations run smoothly.
