The US will issue 65,000 work visas by 2025: Colombia will be able to obtain it

In an effort to address worker shortages in essential sectors, The United States has announced the issuance of nearly 65,000 visasSupplemental H-2B Work Plans for Fiscal Year 2025. The measure, promoted by the administration of President Joe Biden, seeks to meet labor demand in industries such as hospitality, tourism and agriculture, which have faced difficulties in filling temporary positions.

The news has been received with optimism by business leaders and private sector associations, who see this initiative as an opportunity to strengthen the economy and reduce irregular migration. With this new allocation, it is expected that companies will be able to cover their labor needs without resorting to irregular hiring practices.

The distribution of these visas will be strategic. Of the 64,716 additional visas, 20,000 will be reserved for citizens of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador and Costa Rica. The rest, 44,716 visas will go to workers who have already received H-2B visas in the last three fiscal years or who have otherwise obtained H-2B status. This equitable distribution between the first and second half of the fiscal year It will allow us to satisfy the high demand for workers during the summer months, when sectors such as tourism face a peak in activity.

The implementation of this measure will not only benefit American companies, but will also offer legal avenues of employment for foreign citizens, helping to reduce irregular migration. According to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, this decision is aimed at meeting labor demand, maintaining stable prices for consumers and strengthening protections for workers.. The Biden administration has emphasized that this expansion seeks to strengthen the national economy by covering the labor needs of strategic sectors, avoiding cost increases and protecting the stability of the supply chain.

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United States and the issuance of H-2B visas

The H-2B visa is a program designed for temporary non-agricultural workers, especially relevant in sectors that face seasonal fluctuations. This type allows American employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary positions when there are not enough Americans available. The issuance of these It is crucial for industries such as hospitality, tourism, landscaping and seafood processingwhich rely heavily on temporary labor.

Benefits for Latin American countries

The decision to reserve 20,000 visas for citizens of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador and Costa Rica is an example of the United States’ commitment to the region. These countries will benefit, as their citizens will have the opportunity to work legally in the United Statessending remittances to their families and contributing to the economic development of their communities of origin. In addition, this measure encourages regional cooperation and strengthens bilateral relations between the United States and these Latin American countries.

How much salary will they earn working in the positions the US is looking for?

Salary for H-2B visa workers varies by occupation and geographic location. According to the US Department of Labor, employers must pay H-2B workers at least the prevailing value for the specific occupation in which they will be employed.

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For example, workers in the landscaping and grounds maintenance sector, one of the most common occupations for H-2B visa holders, They can expect to earn between $13.71 and $16.14 per hour (around $57,000 to $70,000 COP) depending on the region. In other areas, such as seafood processing, wages may vary, but are generally aligned with the local average to ensure that the working conditions of American workers are not negatively affected.

Reactions and future prospects

The announcement has been well received by business leaders and private sector associations in the United States. Rosanna Maietta, president of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, praised the measure, stressing that it will especially help small business owners. access the seasonal workforce they need to operate efficiently.

Maietta also urged Congress to intervene to modernize the current system, noting that the limits established for these visas are arbitrary and no longer reflect the real needs of the labor market.

For its part, Leaders from sectors such as healthcare have also expressed support for this expansion. Adam Lampert, director of a health organization in Dallas, highlighted the importance of having immigrant workers to avoid disruptions in the provision of services and maintain economic stability. The Biden administration has stressed that this expansion has The objective is to strengthen the national economy by covering the labor needs of strategic sectors.avoiding cost increases and protecting the stability of the supply chain.

How to apply for an H-2B visa

The application process for an H-2B visa can be complex, but with proper preparation, applicants can increase their chances of success. First, It is essential that American employers submit an application for temporary labor certification to the US Department of Labor. This certification must demonstrate that there are not enough American workers available and willing to perform the temporary work. Once approved, employers can submit an H-2B visa petition to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

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What happens if you are caught working illegally in the US?

Working illegally in the United States can have serious consequences. Unauthorized workers may face deportation and be prohibited from returning to the country in the future. Additionally, those who work without the proper permits may be considered inadmissible for future immigration benefits, such as obtaining a green card.

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Immigration authorities, such as USCIS, may discover unauthorized employment through tax returns, social media, or third-party complaints. It is crucial that immigrants understand the risks and seek legal advice before accepting any unauthorized employment.