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H-2B Program Improvements: Streamlining and Worker Protection

This act aims to improve the H-2B temporary non-agricultural worker program. It introduces changes to simplify the application process for employers while enhancing worker protections and increasing penalties for violations. Citizens may experience impacts through changes in the labor market and increased transparency in temporary worker employment.
Key points
Employer Simplification: A single online platform will be established for H-2B petition submissions, aiming to reduce processing time and errors.
Enhanced Worker Protection: Mandatory workplace safety plans, including protection against harassment and violence, and a ban on recruiters charging fees to workers.
Stricter Penalties: Increased fines for employers who willfully misrepresent information or fail to meet H-2B program requirements, and for not reporting changes in worker employment status.
Job Registry: Creation of a publicly accessible, searchable online job registry for H-2B positions, available in multiple languages, enhancing labor market transparency.
Country Eligibility Rules: Criteria for countries to participate in the H-2B program will be established, considering fraud rates and immigration compliance.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_3897
Sponsor: Rep. Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28]
Process start date: 2021-06-15
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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

H–2B Returning Worker Exception Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_3897.

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 2021-06-15.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Employer Simplification: A single online platform will be established for H-2B petition submissions, aiming to reduce processing time and errors.
  • Enhanced Worker Protection: Mandatory workplace safety plans, including protection against harassment and violence, and a ban on recruiters charging fees to workers.
  • Stricter Penalties: Increased fines for employers who willfully misrepresent information or fail to meet H-2B program requirements, and for not reporting changes in worker employment status.
  • Job Registry: Creation of a publicly accessible, searchable online job registry for H-2B positions, available in multiple languages, enhancing labor market transparency.
  • Country Eligibility Rules: Criteria for countries to participate in the H-2B program will be established, considering fraud rates and immigration compliance.
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. Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28].

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 2025-12-28.

CATEGORIES

Labor Migration