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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).
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_5299
Sponsor: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]
Process start date: 2024-11-12
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Summarized by: gemini-flash-latest
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Paperwork Reduction for Farmers and H–2A Modernization Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_5299.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-11-12.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • 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).
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. Paul, Rand [R-KY].

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

Migration Agriculture Labor