The H-2A Visa Trap

Published: Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 9:00 am

BNN News Summary: Exploitation in the H-2A Visa Program

A recent investigation reveals widespread exploitation within the H-2A visa program, designed to bring foreign workers to the U.S. for agricultural labor. The program, intended to address labor shortages, has become a vehicle for abuse due to lax oversight.

The investigation focuses on the experiences of Sofi, a single mother from Mexico who sought a better life through the H-2A program. She was recruited by a labor broker, Javier Sanchez Mendoza Jr., who promised good wages and living conditions. Upon arrival in Georgia, Sofi's experience took a dark turn. Mendoza, instead of placing her in the fields, exploited her, controlling her finances, forcing her to work without pay, and subjecting her to sexual assault and threats.

Mendoza, acting as a labor broker, controlled the workers' access to housing, wages, and transportation, giving him immense power over them. He was also involved in illegal activities, including charging workers exorbitant fees for their visas and inflating the number of workers needed to collect more fees.

Sofi's ordeal culminated in a kidnapping and attempted murder, after which she testified against Mendoza, leading to his conviction for forced labor and a 30-year prison sentence. Despite this, the investigation highlights that the H-2A program continues to be vulnerable to exploitation. The number of visas issued has increased, and enforcement of worker protections remains limited.

Keywords: H-2A visa, labor exploitation, human trafficking, forced labor, agricultural workers, immigration, Mexico, Georgia, Javier Sanchez Mendoza Jr., Sofi, sexual assault, kidnapping, criminal organization, visa fraud, worker abuse. BNN's Perspective: This case underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight and enforcement within the H-2A program. While the program aims to address labor shortages, it must be reformed to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation and ensure that the promises of fair wages and safe working conditions are upheld.

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