Presidential Proclamation 10014 and its subsequent amendment bans nonimmigrant H-2B guest workers from entering the United States. The ban includes forestry workers who are essential to the operation of the forest sector supply chain which was designated as a “Critical Infrastructure” by the Department of Homeland Security at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Forestry Workers can now qualify for H-2b VISAS.
The State Department has issued guidance that names forestry as an example of exceptions that should be made to facilitate continued economic recovery.
Immediate action needed:
State Department exemptions must be processed as quickly as possible.
Businesses can’t wait.
Workers need to be in the U.S. by Oct. 1 for the start of the planting season.