Cotton Industry Commends Trump Administration’s H-2A Visa Program Reform to AEWR Calculations

November 17, 2025
Contact: Marjory Walker
(901) 274-9030

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - In a time of ever-increasing production costs, the cotton industry applauds the Trump Administration's recent changes to the H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) calculations. Wages will now be set at reasonable rates reflecting the duties most often performed.

The changes also incorporate welcome skills and qualifications levels for wages, and the inclusion of a housing offset for H-2A employees. There is no doubt that these changes will benefit employers who utilize the H-2A program. For far too long, the AEWR and other H-2A requirements have been a detriment to our industry, and we are thankful for the Trump Administration's attention to this matter.