Five Countries Added to H-2A, H-2B List: Federal Register

"The Secretary of Homeland Security has determined, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, that 63 countries previously designated in the January 17, 2014 notice continue to meet the standards identified in that notice for eligible countries and therefore should remain designated as countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H–2A and H–2B programs. Further, the Secretary of Homeland Security, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, has determined that it is now appropriate to add 5 countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H–2A and H–2B programs. This determination is made taking into account the four regulatory factors identified above. The Secretary of Homeland Security also considered other pertinent factors including, but not limited to, evidence of past usage of the H–2A and H–2B programs by nationals of the country to be added, as well as evidence relating to the economic impact on particular U.S. industries or regions resulting from the addition or continued non-inclusion of specific countries. In consideration of all of the above, this notice designates for the first time the Czech Republic, Denmark, Madagascar, Portugal, and Sweden as countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H–2A and H–2B programs. ... Effective Date: This notice is effective January 18, 2015, and shall be without effect at the end of one year after January 18, 2015." - Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 241 / Tuesday, December 16, 2014.