News Article –
The recent proclamation on the “Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Non-Immigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease” limited the travel of noncitizens from several countries, including South Africa to the United States. This week NASDA staff supported efforts for any noncitizen whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to be exempt from the travel restriction. Yesterday, the State Department issued an exemption for H-2A and some H-2B workers in South Africa. H-2A and H-2B applicants covered by the presidential proclamation and are necessary to ensure food supply chains, such as seafood processors, fish cutters, salmon roe technicians, farm equipment mechanics, agriculture equipment operators etc., may be considered for a national interest exception to travel. Applicants who are applying for a visa will be considered for an exception at the time of interview.