Many employers claim there is a shortage of high-skilled workers in our country and view guest workers as one solution to their problem. Under guest worker programs, people of foreign origin are temporarily invited into our country to work. Many employers say our policies should encourage the legal flow of high and low-skilled workers to keep our country competitive. U.S. immigration law provides aliens with a variety of ways to get a green card and become lawful permanent residents through employment in the U.S. These employment-based (EB) “preference immigrant” categories include EB-1 priority workers, EB-2 professionals holding advanced degrees and persons of exceptional ability, and EB-3 skilled workers and professionals, among others. Each of these categories is subject to Congressional numerical limitations, as well as per-country limitations.

Industries such as long-term care, restaurants, and construction also face significant gaps, hindering economic growth and service delivery. Advocates wish to create a new H-2C temporary work visa for non-agricultural, year-round positions, ensuring U.S. workers get jobs first, and providing businesses a legal way to expand, build, and meet consumer demand, preventing costly project delays.

Pending Legislation: H.R.5494 - Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act
Sponsor: Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA)
Status: Referred to the House Committees on the Judiciary, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker
House Speaker: Speaker Mike Johnson (LA)