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Farmers across the United States need a reliable workforce, and the H-2A guest worker visa program could use reform. Enter HR5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019, which was reintroduced as HR1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021, by Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) and Dan Newhouse (R-Washington).
The farm modernization immigration bill addresses the ability of U.S. farmers to employ and contract with foreign farm workers. One key way it seeks to do that is by making it easier for some immigrants to qualify for H-2A farm visas (commonly referred to as simply the H2A visa). This visa type allows U.S. employers to bring foreign workers into the country for temporary agricultural work.
In particular, the act would alter current immigration law in two key ways:
We offer world class communication and responsiveness to all of our clients and our comprehensive approach can simplify even the most complicated of visa programs.
While the bill has gained support from many agriculture organizations, it is not as favorable to either U.S. farmers or immigrant workers as it may seem at first glance. Objections to the bill include concerns that
Given the bill’s many shortcomings, it will likely result in increased, long-term labor shortages for the agricultural sector and increased liability for farmers. Ultimately, this is likely to lead to increased costs for farmers, who will be forced to pass on those increased costs to consumers.
In addition, as more foreign farm workers become legal residents, many will leave the agricultural industry for other work opportunities. That would make the United States increasingly reliant on foreign sources of agricultural products.
The bill passed in the House of Representatives with support across the aisle. However, it still has to pass in the Senate, and a vote is expected soon as of this writing. While perhaps well intentioned, this legislation represents a compromise that doesn’t help either U.S. farmers or undocumented workers very much and will actually harm some farmers.
If you’d like your voice heard on this legislation, you may contact your representative and let them know you want meaningful H-2A reform that will keep food production in the U.S. and ensure that U.S. farmers are able to continue competing with low-cost imported food.
You can also sign a petition to indicate your stance. One petition on the Action Network states: “The proposed bill does nothing to address the root causes of labor exploitation that farmworkers face on a daily basis and would ultimately make conditions even more difficult for farm workers across the country. That is why many farmworker organizations and respected national food justice, labor, and immigrant rights groups across the country are opposing this bill.”
Initial signatories include the Food Chain Workers Alliance, Families United for Justice, Rural & Migrant Ministry, and Justice for Migrant Workers.
Maybe you met on a sightseeing trip, or perhaps in a semester-long study abroad program. A friend’s destination wedding. A…
Maybe you met on a sightseeing trip, or perhaps in a semester-long study abroad program. A friend’s destination wedding. A…
Press Release Press Release: Farmer Law Announces Two New Attorneys [post_date]By MK McNabb, Marketing Manager By MK McNabb, Marketing Manager…
The attorneys at Farmer Law PC understand the value of a diversified workforce and are adept at navigating every facet of immigration law. We offer comprehensive solutions for all of your labor shortages. Our team locates honest, accomplished workers to provide employers with exceptional talent from every corner of the globe.
Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.
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