H-2A visa simplification, agricultural labor expansion, and wage rate freeze.
This act aims to reduce bureaucracy for farmers and agricultural businesses hiring temporary H-2A workers. It introduces an electronic filing system, simplifies hiring procedures, and expands the definition of agricultural labor to include new sectors like landscaping and livestock. A key change is the three-year freeze on the minimum wage rates for these workers, potentially impacting labor costs in agriculture.
Key points
Wage Freeze: The minimum Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) for H-2A temporary workers will be frozen for 3 years at the level effective on January 1, 2023.
Program Expansion: The H-2A program will cover new sectors, including landscaping, forestry, year-round livestock work (dairy/poultry), and seafood processing.
Reduced Paperwork: An electronic filing system will be established, along with simplified procedures for employers, including quick replacement of workers and joint applications.
Employer Protection: Employers using third-party preparers for applications will be protected from penalties for errors or omissions if they reasonably believed the application was accurate (Safe Harbor).
Status:
Expired
Civic Will
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.