Advocacy News – Sept. 26, 2023
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shared its proposed H-2 modernization rule for temporary agricultural worker visas last week. The DHS proposal appears to contain several provisions that will be helpful to employers of H-2A and H-2B workers.
Why it matters: The rule will provide greater opportunities for H-2 workers in the food and ag industry to change employers while they’re working in the U.S., allow employers to seek seasonal workers from every country as opposed to only a select group of countries that are approved by the federal government, and provide seasonal workers with extended periods of time for them to stay in the country and find new jobs when their initial employment opportunity in the U.S. concludes. These regulatory changes will help employers meet their seasonal workforce needs. The proposal also contains enhanced worker protections and site visit authority.
What’s next: The MI Chamber will be working with the U.S. Chamber to submit comments and highlight how this proposal would affect businesses relying on seasonal workers. If you have thoughts on the proposed rule, please contact us at info@michamber.com.