Summary
A new bill in the U.S. Congress proposes a new H-2C visa to help fill labor shortages in non-farming industries. The visa would allow U.S. companies to hire foreign workers for jobs unfilled for more than three months, targeting areas with low unemployment. The bill has bipartisan support and aims to help businesses struggling to find workers.
Key Facts
- The bill is called the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act.
- It introduces a new H-2C visa similar to the existing H-2B visa for seasonal work.
- The program targets positions unfilled for three months in areas with under 7.9% unemployment.
- The H-2C visa lasts three years and can be renewed twice for three more years each time.
- 65,000 visas would be available in the first year, with numbers adjusting based on the economy.
- Applicants need a job offer, must pass background checks, and cannot bring family members.
- The bill has bipartisan support from several U.S. Representatives.
- Business leaders welcome the bill as a solution to labor shortages.
