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Agricultural Guest Worker Program Reforms: New Rules and Responsibilities

This act modifies the foreign agricultural worker program, simplifying employment rules and renaming the program. It aims to make it easier for employers to hire seasonal workers, but also introduces new obligations and rules regarding wages, housing, and medical care for these workers. Citizens may experience an impact on agricultural product prices and the availability of labor in agriculture.
Key points
The H-2A agricultural worker program is renamed H-2C and now includes dairy and ranch workers.
Employers are not required to pay more than the highest minimum wage rate (federal, state, local).
New rules for worker housing are introduced, including the option of housing vouchers.
A trust fund is established for program administration, identification cards, incentives for workers to return to their home country, and emergency medical services for workers.
Agricultural workers will receive biometric identification cards.
The maximum stay for a worker is limited to 11 months, with a requirement to return to their home country for at least one month before re-entry, with a total limit of 3 years.
Access to free legal assistance from the Legal Services Corporation for agricultural workers is restricted.
Expedited procedures are established for replacing workers who abscond, and employers are not liable if a worker absconds.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_2086
Sponsor: Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [R-AR-1]
Process start date: 2021-03-19
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

AGRI Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_2086.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-03-19.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • The H-2A agricultural worker program is renamed H-2C and now includes dairy and ranch workers.
  • Employers are not required to pay more than the highest minimum wage rate (federal, state, local).
  • New rules for worker housing are introduced, including the option of housing vouchers.
  • A trust fund is established for program administration, identification cards, incentives for workers to return to their home country, and emergency medical services for workers.
  • Agricultural workers will receive biometric identification cards.
  • The maximum stay for a worker is limited to 11 months, with a requirement to return to their home country for at least one month before re-entry, with a total limit of 3 years.
  • Access to free legal assistance from the Legal Services Corporation for agricultural workers is restricted.
  • Expedited procedures are established for replacing workers who abscond, and employers are not liable if a worker absconds.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [R-AR-1].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-27.

CATEGORIES

Agriculture Labor Migration