November 2024

Belize Nationals Eligible for H-2A/B Participation

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State, has added Belize as a country whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B programs for the coming year.

Each country’s designation is valid for one year from the date of publication. The designations in this notice are effective November 7, 2024.  By adding Belize to these programs, both the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State have determined it would contribute to the Department of State’s goals of promoting economic development and improving bilateral commercial relationships with Belize.

The Department of Homeland Security has determined that, based on the review of relevant factors, adding Belize to both the H-2A and H-2B eligible countries list serves the Unites States’ interest. There are now 88 countries eligible to participate in the H-2A program and 89 countries eligible to participate in the H-2B program.

This new list does not immediately affect the status of beneficiaries who are currently in the United States in H-2A or H-2B status unless they apply to change or extend their status.  USCIS generally may only approve H-2A and H-2B petitions for nationals of countries the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as eligible to participate in the programs. USCIS may approve H-2A and H-2B petitions for nationals of countries not on the list if it is determined to be in the interest of the United States.

View the Federal Register to see the list of all countries eligible to participate in both the H-2A and H-2B programs.

Monterrey, Mexico FEWA Office Enhancements

Free passport photos are taken of visa applicants in the Monterrey office.

The FEWA Monterrey, Mexico office continues to make enhancements to better the experience for all H2 visa applicants processing through Monterrey.  FEWA Vice President Arnulfo Hinojosa recently visits the team in the FEWA Monterrey, Mexico office.  FEWA Worker Members enjoy a safe, cool, clean environment that also includes a hired photographer to take their passport-size photos each year FREE of charge.

The FEWA Mexico staff will be communicating with your workers directly via WhatsApp text messages and video calling to help prepare for their upcoming appointments.  We will also be adding electronic signature capability to help expedite their time spent in the FEWA Monterrey office.

The U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara, Mexico announced last month that they will no longer process visa appointments for H-2A, H-2B or H4 visa applicants. This will put a burden on the appointment availability in Monterrey.  We’re working with other Consulates in Mission, Mexico such as Nuevo Laredo, Hermosillo and Tijuana and will be prepared to process in these locations, if necessary.

The FEWA Monterrey, Mexico office. Back, from left: Milton, Daniel, Ivan; Middle: Sandra, Silvia, Linda, Brenda, Arnulfo; Front: Cesar.

It is important to keep up to date contact information for all your workers. We will also be requesting copies of passports and most recent visas from all applicants that plan to return for the 2025 season. This would allow for remote completion of their visa application form via video conference.  Completing the visa application form remotely will allow flexibility in where the appointment takes place with the U.S. Consulate in Mexico. Monterrey is the preferred location for many, but we need to be prepared in case appointment availability is delayed due to the U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara no longer processing H2 visas.

Many of the FEWA Worker Members’ group pictures received over the years are featured in the Monterrey office. The workers always enjoy seeing new pictures of their peers working in the U.S. If you have any photos to share of your H-2B workers throughout the season, please share with your FEWA Guide and we’ll be sure they get posted.

Safe travels to the many workers who are ending their season. Your FEWA Monterrey staff looks forward to working with you next season.

Great Western Landscape Grows Business Every Year, Thanks to FEWA

Great Western Landscape CFO Cody E. Gillen

Great Western Landscape provides comprehensive planting, irrigation design and installation, and construction services in the greater Salt Lake City area and throughout the Intermountain West.

Since 1997, the company has partnered with architects, general contractors, and other collaborators to complete $215 million in contracted work, serving schools, parks, and open areas.

One of Great Western’s key partners is FEWA. Since 2008, FEWA has supported the company in hiring H-2B temporary workers—initially 30, and for the past decade, 50 workers each year.

Chief Financial Officer Cody E. Gillen, who oversees finance, accounting, human resources, personnel planning, business risk, and strategy, along with the H-2B process, explains that Great Western joined FEWA 16 years ago in search of a reliable employee solution to meet contract demands.

“FEWA provides the technical assistance we need to efficiently and effectively participate in the H-2B temporary worker program. The FEWA staff manages all filings and paperwork, allowing us to focus on our core business. Thanks to FEWA, we’ve grown our business each year,” said Gillen.

Gillen adds that Great Western has attended H-2B Fly-Ins in Washington, D.C., organized by FEWA, to meet with senators and congressional representatives. There, they share personal stories about how H-2B cap limitations impact their business, community, and employees.

“We couldn’t do what we do without FEWA’s assistance and expertise,” Gillen said. “We rely on the excellent service of our Member Guide, Brandi, and appreciate her attention to detail. With 99 percent of our temporary workers returning year after year and doing excellent work, they, too, have come to depend on our company to help provide for their families.”