New H-2C Visas for Essential Workers in Economic Advancement
This act introduces a new H-2C visa category for temporary non-agricultural workers to address labor shortages. It outlines employment rules, employer and worker responsibilities, and visa caps. The goal is to support the economy by facilitating access to labor in areas with low unemployment.
Key points
Establishes a new H-2C visa category for temporary non-agricultural workers, allowing them to work in the U.S. for up to 3 years, renewable twice.
Imposes requirements on employers, such as demonstrating a lack of U.S. workers, paying prevailing wages, and prohibiting layoffs of U.S. workers due to H-2C hiring.
Sets an initial cap of 65,000 H-2C visas annually, with potential adjustments based on demand, ranging from 45,000 to 85,000.
H-2C workers will not be eligible for certain federal public benefits, including premium assistance tax credits for health insurance or child tax credits.
Implements an electronic monitoring system for H-2C worker presence and employment, and mandates E-Verify use for registered employers.
Introduced
Citizen Poll