Newhouse, Republicans, Call For Changes To H-2A Program

Central Washington’s Dan Newhouse is leading a bicameral push to overhaul the H-2A guest worker program, warning that delays and outdated regulations are putting farms, and rural economies, at risk.

In a letter Thursday to the Departments of Labor, State, and Homeland Security, lawmakers say slow visa processing is leaving growers short of workers during critical windows, threatening crops, farm income, and local jobs.

The lawmakers also want year-round livestock and dairy operations to qualify for H-2A workers and are calling for faster processing, clearer wage rules, and more flexibility for employers.

Dependable Access To labor Is Essential

"Current H-2A visa regulations prioritize worker protections for housing, transportation, and wage guarantees without reciprocal employer safeguards," last week's letter stated. "This leaves employers vulnerable, subject to substantial upfront costs with no guarantees that workers will complete contracts. Employers are then unable to recover transportation and housing costs. We also urge the Department to address these vulnerabilities by implementing regulations which would require workers to complete a guaranteed portion of their contract and allow payroll deductions for housing and transportation costs if a worker fails to finish their contract. These regulations would create balanced accountability without reducing worker protections."

Supporters said dependable access to labor is essential to keeping farms productive and protecting the economic health of agricultural communities nationwide.

Idaho Senator Mike Crapo also signed last week’s letter.

Click Here to read the entire letter.

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