US, Guatemalan governments address irregular migration patterns

U.S. and Guatemalan government officials said the nations are making continual progress regarding efforts to craft a regional approach to address irregular migration patterns.

Authorities said there has been collaboration on a series of initiatives designed to reduce the flow of irregular migration while ensuring the safety and protection of vulnerable populations, particularly children.

“The governments are working towards signing an agreement to provide support for further protections to Guatemalan H-2A workers by developing a registered Foreign Labor Recruiter program to promote transparency and accountability for those who may operate as such in Guatemala,” the governments noted via a joint statement. “The H-2A Worker Visa Program provides visas for temporary or seasonal agricultural employment. By regulating Foreign Labor Recruiters in Guatemala, the U.S. Government and the Government of Guatemala are increasing protections for those seeking legal employment opportunities in the U.S., achieving a priority objective for Guatemala and mitigating a major factor of irregular migration into the U.S.”

The U.S. government agreed to prioritize H-2A visa appointments ahead of other non-immigrant visa categories for Guatemalans and work to develop and coordinate an outreach campaign to promote the H-2A program in partnership with Guatemala’s Ministry of Labor, focusing on the recruitment of qualified workers.