Overview
- The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (H.R. 9535), introduced in late June by Rep. Glenn Thompson, would open H‑2A to year‑round work, extend labor certifications up to three years, and require a new online platform for applications and agency communications.
- Bill text confirms a pathway for certain undocumented agricultural workers who were present by May 31, 2026 and meet work-history tests to apply for temporary H‑2A status without a route to citizenship.
- More than 400 farm and industry groups including the American Farm Bureau Federation back the measure as a fix for chronic labor shortages and to stabilize food production; supporters say it modernizes a program that has not seen major statutory reform in decades.
- Critics across conservative outlets and officials call the proposal de facto amnesty and warn the bill relies on employer attestation and limited documentation, shields some employer records from prosecution, and reduces tools for auditing and enforcement.
- The bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee and its fate is uncertain as committee leaders, House floor votes, and the White House review will determine whether the proposal advances or is blocked.