News 11's Valeria Rodriguez talks about how the county is pushing Congress to extend H-2A visas used by farm workers.
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Looking for ways to better support seasonal farm workers across Yuma County.
Yuma County ships about 2,000 trucks of leafy greens a day from October to February, according to Yuma County's economic development director.
“These workers are the backbone of our industry,” said Yuma County Economic Development Director Alejandro Figueroa.
Currently, H-2A visas used by seasonal agricultural workers have a three-year limit.
Mr. Figueroa shared what changes they are looking for.
“Well, we're looking to make the cap longer. I mean, we're going to do that. I've talked to the Farm Bureau, and they want that cap to be indefinite or no cap at all. ,” Figueroa explained.
The vice chair of the Yuma County Board of Supervisors described some of the backlash he received.
“While some legislators are trying to link it directly to illegal immigration and other issues, we need to deal with this alone because it has such a huge economic impact,” said Yuma County Board of Supervisors Deputy Jonathan.・Mr. Lines said. District 2 Chairman.
Mr. Figueroa explained why this change is important to our community.
“So we don't want to lose these producers to other countries, so we want to keep them here. We also want to keep them here, and we need them to continue to thrive in Yuma County, Arizona, and in the United States.” We want to make sure we have a strong workforce and all the resources,” Figueroa said.
He explains the challenges this cap faces not only farmworkers.
“When you have great people and you have to train them, it's really hard for them. Once they understand their job well enough, they have to go back and sometimes you lose them.” explained Figueroa.
During harvest season, more than 30,000 trucks leave Yuma County's fields.
To make all of this possible, Figueroa said Yuma County has about 40,000 people working in agriculture and about 8,000 people who rely on H-2A visas.
