arrow_back Back to App

States Gain Temporary Authority to Request Extra Seasonal H-2B Visas.

This act temporarily (for 4 years) grants state governors the authority to request supplemental H-2B visas for seasonal foreign workers if the state has very low unemployment and a certified persistent labor shortage. The goal is to help local businesses meet labor demand without displacing domestic workers or negatively affecting average wages. Federal agencies must report annually on the program's impact on wages and employment.
Key points
Governors in states with very low unemployment (below 3.5%) can request additional H-2B visas for employers needing seasonal labor.
The introduction of these workers is only permitted if it does not lower average wages or cause job loss for U.S. citizens.
State legislatures retain the power to set their own limits and rules regarding the number and allocation of these supplemental visas.
These new powers are temporary, expiring after 4 years, and their effect on the labor market will be reported annually to Congress.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_2705
Sponsor: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
Process start date: 2023-07-27
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

SEASONAL Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_2705.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-07-27.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Governors in states with very low unemployment (below 3.5%) can request additional H-2B visas for employers needing seasonal labor.
  • The introduction of these workers is only permitted if it does not lower average wages or cause job loss for U.S. citizens.
  • State legislatures retain the power to set their own limits and rules regarding the number and allocation of these supplemental visas.
  • These new powers are temporary, expiring after 4 years, and their effect on the labor market will be reported annually to Congress.
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 Sen. Thune, John [R-SD].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Labor Migration Economy