Us Congress House Bill HB1891

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/25
• Refer: 3/5/25

Caption

Moving H–2A to United States Department of Agriculture Act of 2025

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly affect how agricultural labor is regulated and managed in the United States. Supporters argue that placing the H2A program under the Department of Agriculture will enhance efficiency and responsiveness to the unique needs of the agricultural sector. They assert that the Agricultural Secretary's direct oversight would ensure that labor policies are better aligned with agricultural productivity and workforce demands.

Summary

House Bill 1891, titled the 'Moving H–2A to United States Department of Agriculture Act of 2025', proposes a transfer of the administration of the H2A program from the Secretary of Labor to the Secretary of Agriculture. The H2A program allows U.S. employers to bring foreign workers to the United States to fill temporary agricultural jobs. The shift aims to leverage the expertise of the Department of Agriculture in managing agricultural labor needs.

Contention

However, the bill raises concerns amongst various stakeholders. Critics, including labor rights advocates, worry that moving the program may lead to diminished protections for foreign workers, as the priority may shift towards meeting agricultural needs rather than ensuring fair labor standards. Additionally, some lawmakers express caution regarding the adequacy of staffing and resources at the Department of Agriculture to handle the complexities of immigration and labor relations that previously fell under the Department of Labor's purview.

Congress_id

119-HR-1891

Policy_area

Immigration

Introduced_date

2025-03-05