February 1, 2021

American Farm Bureau seeks exemption for South African workers entering US

The US State Department has clarified its ban on non-citizens entering the United States from South Africa, announcing that agriculture workers entering the US qualify for national interest exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

A proclamation by the Joe Biden administration suspended travel from several countries due to COVID-19 concerns.

The American Farm Bureau Federation has recently sent a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Acting Homeland Security Secretary David Pekoske requesting an exemption for South African farm labor.

"We appreciate the swift action by the State Department to address a critical need for American agriculture," said AFBF president Zippy Duvall. "Farm workers from South Africa bring valuable and unique skills to the farms on which they are employed. America's farmers rely on the H-2A programme to provide a robust workforce and we are committed to ensuring their safety while continuing to provide healthy, affordable food for families across the country."

US President Biden's proclamation allows for non-citizens to be exempt from the ban if their arrival is in the national interest. Food and agriculture workers have been deemed essential during the pandemic.

- AFBF