DHS Overhaul of Seasonal Worker Rules Under White House Review

Regulations to strengthen worker protections for two seasonal visa programs are undergoing White House review, the final step before their public release.

A proposed rule (RIN 1615-AC76) released last year included provisions addressing exploitation and abuse of workers employed through H-2A and H-2B visas. It also tackled illegal fees charged to workers participating in the programs, including bans of up to four years on employers found to have imposed fees on workers. The proposal also added whistleblower protections for workers who report abuse.

The H-2A program allows agricultural employers to hire temporary foreign workers for seasonal farm jobs, ...