Rep. Collins seeks faster processing of agricultural worker visas to help retain food security

U.S. Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) urged the federal government to hasten the processing of H-2 agricultural guest worker visas.

“We write in concern over inadvertent delays in processing H-2 agricultural guest workers, an issue that has been brought to our attention by farmers across Georgia,” wrote Rep. Collins and U.S. Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA) in a March 17 letter sent to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. “Such delays could have a substantial negative impact on the United States’ domestic commodity and food supply.”

The lawmakers are worried that the delays in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic threaten the ability of farmers in their state to ensure food gets out to all Americans.

“Given the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus, Georgians and folks across America are understandably concerned about their ability to continue accessing the food they need,” according to their letter. “As one of the nation’s top agricultural producers, the state of Georgia and its farmers supply food … to every corner of the United States.”

In addition to fruits and vegetables, Rep Collins and his colleague noted that the nation’s cotton supply also could be jeopardized by delays in processing H-2 agricultural guest visas.

“During these trying times, we must focus efforts on ensuring Americans have continued access to the foods and commodities they rely on,” wrote the congressmen. “This access relies heavily on farmers’ abilities to utilize agricultural workers under the H-2 program.”

Reps. Collins and Scott also pointed out that with harvesting season fast approaching, “it is imperative that this issue be addressed to maintain food security across the nation.”