PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The U.S. Department of Labor has published a rule that streamlines the process for obtaining H2A visas. South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal says while that’s one step, more must be done to address the ag labor shortage in the United States.

He says changes should be made to the H2A program to allow for immigrant laborers to be in the U.S. on more than a seasonal basis.

VanderWal says immigrant workers are needed here legally to do the jobs others won’t do.

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says the changes made by the Labor Department in their published rule will ease regulatory burdens on farmers and ranchers making it easier for them to follow the law and hire workers through the H2A program.