Election Day is coming — are you registered to vote?
119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 9535· 119th Congress

Bill Expands Farm Worker Visa Program Year-Round

Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act of 2026

Sponsor
Glenn Thompson (R-PA)
Introduced
Jun 30, 2026
Last Action
Jun 30, 2026
Passage
32%
Introduced
Jun 30, 2026
2
Committee
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Removes seasonal-only requirement from H-2A agricultural visas, allowing year-round farm work instead of temporary harvest jobs.
  • Expands eligible work to reforestation, aquaculture, and livestock—beyond traditional crop farming.
  • Creates online job registry and employer platforms so USDA and DHS can process visa applications faster.
  • Establishes legal pathway for current undocumented farm workers to obtain H-2A visas if they meet other requirements.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Farm employers gain access to stable year-round labor supply; agriculture industry pushes for predictable workforce.
  • Undocumented agricultural workers could legalize status; worker advocates see regulated employment as safer than underground market.
  • Workers get wage protections codified into law—prevents employers from undercutting U.S. worker wages, which protects domestic farm labor.
  • Rural communities and food production may benefit from labor stability, but immigration skeptics oppose expanded visa categories.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Bill introduced June 30, 2026 and referred to House Judiciary Committee—early stage with 52 cosponsors signals bipartisan agriculture interest.
  • Committee must debate and vote; passage requires Republican and Democratic support in closely divided House.
  • Contact your House representative to voice support or opposition before Judiciary Committee votes.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Jun 30, 2026Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Jun 30, 2026Introduced in House
  • Jun 30, 2026Introduced in House