Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB1828

Introduced
3/28/23  

Caption

POWER Act Protect Our Workers from Exploitation and Retaliation Act

Impact

The bill introduces a framework that ensures victims of workplace claims or criminal activity can receive appropriate legal protections, including a stay of removal proceedings and the authorization to work while their claims are being adjudicated. Under HB1828, the Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to halt deportation actions against such individuals, which proponents argue is essential for encouraging workers to come forward without fear of retaliation or deportation. The legislation seeks to facilitate a more secure environment for individuals to voice concerns about labor violations and to participate in investigations or legal proceedings.

Summary

House Bill 1828, known as the Protect Our Workers from Exploitation and Retaliation Act (POWER Act), aims to provide critical protections for victims of crime and serious labor violations within the United States. Specifically, it seeks to prevent individuals from being removed from the country during enforcement actions by the Department of Homeland Security if they have been victims of labor or employment violations. This legislation modifies existing immigration laws to include additional protections for affected workers, allowing them to remain in the U.S. during legal processes related to their claims.

Contention

While the bill is designed to protect vulnerable workers, its implications have raised some contention regarding the broader impacts on immigration enforcement. Opponents raise concerns that these protections might be exploited by individuals circumventing legal immigration processes. Furthermore, debates have emerged surrounding the balance between enforcing immigration laws and ensuring that vulnerable populations—including undocumented workers—are not mistreated or silenced due to fear of deportation. The discussions surrounding the POWER Act underline the ongoing tension between labor rights and immigration policy in the U.S.

Companion Bills

US HB3194

Related U.S. Citizenship Act Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act

US SB3128

Related Protecting Unaccompanied Children Act

Previously Filed As

US HB2417

Protection of Children Act of 2023

US HB3043

Citizenship for Essential Workers Act

US HB2998

Protecting America’s Workers Act

US HB798

Protecting America’s Meatpacking Workers Act of 2023

US HB4440

Protecting Children Act

US HB5369

Tipped Worker Protection Act

US HB5797

Protecting Immigrants From Legal Exploitation Act of 2023

US SB1030

Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act

US HB3599

DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2023 Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act of 2023 American Promise Act Transnational Criminal Organization Prevention and Elimination Act Protecting Sensitive Locations Act Dream Act Legal Workforce Act American Prosperity and Competitiveness Act H–2B Returning Worker Exception Act American Dream and Promise Act Border Security for America Act

US HB3194

U.S. Citizenship Act Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act

Similar Bills

US SB2219

PUMP Technical Correction Act

US HB2760

Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act

US SB1510

GAO Inspector General Parity Act

US HB2663

Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act

US SB1176

Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act

US HR671

Acknowledging that in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, individuals experienced hate and were targeted by the government on account of their faith, race, national origin and immigration status, and suggesting various forms of relief to support those affected.

US HB3194

U.S. Citizenship Act Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act

US HB6221

SMOKE Act Smoke Mitigation and Occupational Key Enhancements Act