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Original Date Announced
January 18, 2018DHS updates the list of countries approved for H-2A and H-2B temporary worker visas by eliminating Belize, Haiti, and Samoa. By regulation, USCIS can issue H-2A and H-2B visas only to nationals from countries that the Secretary of DHS, in consultation with the Department of State, has deemed eligible for the program. Criteria include the country's overall participation in the U.S. immigration system, including its willingness to accept noncitizens who are ordered removed. The updated country list also adds Mongolia. [ID #496]
Federal Register Notice: Identification of Foreign Countries Whose Nationals Are Eligible To Participate in the H–2A and H–2B Nonimmigrant Worker ProgramsEffective Date
January 18, 2018Biden Administration Action: Modified
November 10, 2021DHS re-designates Haiti to H-2A and H-2B eligible country list
The Secretary of Homeland Security has also determined, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, that Haiti should be designated as an eligible country to participate in the H-2A and H-2B non-immigrant visa programs because the participation of the country is in the U.S. interest consistent with the regulations governing these programs. Belize and Samoa remain excluded from the list.
Go to article on federalregister.govCurrent Status
Partially in effectNovember 10, 2021Acted on by Biden Administration
Original Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Agency DirectiveSubject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-BasedAgencies Affected: USCISAssociated or Derivative Policies