New H-2C Visas for Essential Temporary Workers in Low Unemployment Areas.
This act establishes the H-2C temporary nonimmigrant visa category for essential, non-agricultural workers to fill persistent job openings in areas experiencing low unemployment. Employers must demonstrate robust recruitment of U.S. workers, pay prevailing wages, and adhere to strict anti-displacement rules. The program starts with a cap of 65,000 positions annually, aiming to address labor shortages while protecting domestic employment standards.
Key points
Creates the H-2C visa for temporary non-agricultural workers in regions designated as "full employment areas" (unemployment rate 7.9% or less).
Employers must prove they could not find qualified U.S. workers and pay a scarcity recruitment fee for special allocations.
H-2C workers are granted an initial stay of up to 36 months and gain job portability after one year with their initial employer.
H-2C workers are explicitly ineligible for certain federal public benefits, such as the premium assistance tax credit.
Status:
Expired
Record your position for audit.
Why does your vote on bills matter?
It creates raw, undeniable proof. Civic Will provides the permanent data to verify the Government's loyalty towards its citizens
(explained here).
Start recording it now.