By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced changes to the Housing Act of 1949 that will benefit temporary agricultural workers.
According to USDA, the Consolidation Appropriations Act of 2018 allows for agricultural workers under an H-2A work visa to apply for Farm Labor Housing (FLH) loans. This helps farmers and ranchers find housing options for their foreign workers, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said.
“Finding suitable housing for temporary agriculture workers has always been a challenge faced by our farmers and producers,” he said.
The amendment states that FLH tenant eligibility will be given to temporary agricultural workers who have been legally admitted to the United States and approved to work in agriculture. Domestic farm laborers admitted under an H-2A work visa are included and can qualify for state-inspected housing.
“The seasonal workers coming to the United States do tremendous work for American agriculture,” Perdue said. “I am pleased that USDA programs can now better assist farmers needing to provide housing while they’re here.”
While the amendment does open the door for FLH eligibility, agricultural workers admitted legally are still ineligible for rental assistance.
This change occurs at a time where H-2A workers are in great demand. The Department of Labor, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, reported a 29 percent increase in certified positions in the third quarter of FY2018 from the third quarter of FY2017. The 81,418 positons across the country is a more than 160 percent increase from 2013 numbers.