USCIS publishes updated guidance on H-2A petitions for sheep/goat herders

Original Date Announced
February 28, 2020
USCIS's policy memorandum will not grant consecutive back-to-back 364-day approvals of H-2A sheep/goatherder petitions in accordance with the requirements applied to other temporary agricultural workers. [ID #583]
USCIS Policy Memo: Updated Guidance on Temporary or Seasonal Need for H-2A Petitions Seeking Workers for Range Sheep and/or Goat Herding or Production
Effective Date
June 1, 2020

Fully in Effect

Status: Final/Actual

Trump Administration Action: Agency Directive

Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based

Agencies Affected: USCIS

Commentary

NPR discusses how the Biden administration changes to the H-2 visa program, finalized in December 2024, have made it easier for H-2B visa holders to apply for green cards without risking their visas. This regulatory change gives both H-2B visa holders and their employers more stability. The article highlights the horse-racing industry—which is dependent on specialized jobs avoided by most Americans—and discusses employers' comments that having workers with permanent status is critical due to uncertainty around immigration. More employers are sponsoring green cards to retain workers they’ve trained and trust.

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