HOUSE PASSES BILL TO PROVIDE AGRICULTURAL VISA
Yesterday, the House passed the Farm Workforce
Modernization Act which would establish a new program for agricultural
workers in the United States – similar to DACA – which would allow
workers employed on a continuing basis in agriculture to obtain legal status. The
status would be as a “Certified Agricultural Worker” (CAW). The visa
would be for three years and could be renewed. Spouses and minor children
would obtain status too.
Additionally, this bill streamlines and simplifies
the H-2A program to make the program more attractive for employers and
employees.
The program has an annual cap, but the cap could be
increased upon request of the Secretaries of Agriculture and Labor.
The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 260-165.
Even though it was supported by significant numbers of Democrats and
Republicans, it is not clear if it can pass in the Senate or whether Donald
Trump would sign it into law.