Temporary Work Visa Programs Get Overhaul Under New Proposal (1)

Two temporary work visa programs would get an overhaul, including strengthened protections for foreign workers, under a new Homeland Security Department proposal released Monday.

The proposed regulations (RIN 1615-AC76), set to be published in the Federal Register Wednesday, address exploitation and abuse of workers employed through H-2A and H-2B visas.

The rule aims in particular to build on protections against illegal fees and salary reductions connected to the recruitment or employment of temporary foreign workers. Those prohibited fees would include, but not be limited to, visa application fees.

Employers also would be barred from charging workers “breach fees” if they ...