CBP Fights Screwworm Pest: What It Means for Immigrants
As of August 16, 2026, USDA confirmed 47 New World screwworm cases in the US — 46 in Texas and one in New Mexico. CBP is now playing a direct role in the federal response, including clearing foreign nationals like pilots and mechanics who travel to the US to support eradication efforts. If you are a foreign national involved in this work, US immigration rules still apply to you.
What Is Happening and Why CBP Is Involved
The New World screwworm (NWS) is a parasite that can kill livestock and wildlife, and in rare cases harm people. USDA confirmed 47 cases as of August 16, with four still active across three Texas counties. To fight the pest, USDA uses a Sterile Insect Technique — releasing large numbers of sterile flies so they mate with wild flies and produce no offspring, slowly collapsing the population.
CBP's role goes beyond agriculture. The agency facilitated 96 shipments of sterile NWS pupae and viable NWS flies arriving from Panama through Del Rio International Airport, McAllen International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and the Port of Pharr/Hidalgo. CBP also trained frontline personnel, shared intelligence, and cleared critical supplies needed for the response.
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The Immigration Angle: Foreign Nationals Supporting the Response
One part of CBP's role gets less attention: ensuring that foreign nationals — such as pilots and mechanics traveling from Panama or other countries to support USDA's NWS operations — comply with US immigration laws. Deputy Executive Director Suzette Kelly of CBP's Agriculture Programs and Trade Liaison confirmed this is an active part of the agency's work. In plain terms, if you are a foreign national entering the US for this agricultural mission, you still need proper documentation and must follow standard entry procedures. CBP does not waive immigration requirements even for emergency response work.
CBP's Office of Trade Relations also hosted an NWS awareness webinar on July 26, 2026, briefing industry stakeholders on the federal response. Livestock owners and the general public are encouraged to report suspected NWS cases to animal health authorities and can file related concerns through CBP's e-Allegations program at CBP.gov.
What to Do
- If you are a foreign national (pilot, mechanic, or specialist) traveling to the US to support USDA's NWS response, confirm your visa category allows this type of work before you travel — not all visa types permit paid or unpaid agricultural support activities.
- Check with your employer or the agency coordinating your travel that CBP has been notified and that your entry paperwork is in order before you board.
- If you own livestock in Texas or New Mexico and spot signs of NWS infestation, report it immediately to your state's animal health authority or through CBP's e-Allegations program at CBP.gov.
- If you have questions about whether your immigration status allows you to participate in emergency agricultural response work in the US, consult an immigration lawyer before traveling.
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Foreign nationals supporting USDA's NWS eradication work are not exempt from standard US immigration requirements. The visa category matters: a B-1 (business visitor) visa may cover certain technical consultations, but performing hands-on mechanical or operational work could require a different classification. Entering on the wrong visa type can trigger a finding of misrepresentation, which carries serious long-term consequences for future US entry. Anyone in this situation should speak with an immigration attorney before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter the US on a tourist visa to help with the screwworm response?
Generally, no. A tourist visa (B-2) does not allow you to perform work, even unpaid technical support. A B-1 business visitor visa may cover limited activities, but hands-on mechanical or operational work likely requires a different visa category. Check with an immigration attorney before you travel.
Does CBP waive immigration rules for emergency agricultural response workers?
No. CBP's own statement confirms it ensures compliance with immigration laws for all foreign nationals entering to support USDA's NWS response. Emergency status does not suspend standard entry requirements.
How do I report a suspected New World screwworm case?
Contact your state's animal health authority directly. You can also file a report through CBP's e-Allegations program, available at CBP.gov.
What happens if I enter the US on the wrong visa for this type of work?
Entering on an incorrect visa can be treated as a visa violation or misrepresentation. This can affect your ability to return to the US in the future and may have consequences for any pending immigration applications. Consult an immigration lawyer before traveling.