Underwood Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Immigration Legislation

Statement

Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) released the following statement after the passage of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 5308), bipartisan immigration legislation that modernizes and streamlines the H-2A program to ensure local businesses have access to the experienced workers they need without the red tape and extreme financial burden of the current system. The H-2A program allows business owners to apply for temporary visas for foreign workers to fill short-term seasonal jobs when American workers are not available.

"Our immigration system is broken and in need of urgent, bipartisan solutions. Today's passage is an important step that will help businesses and farmers in our community," said Underwood. "I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House, the Administration, and the Senate to ensure we get a bill signed into law that works for northern Illinois families and businesses."

The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would create a process for undocumented agricultural workers to apply for temporary certified agricultural worker (CAW) status, with an option to earn lawful permanent resident (LPR) status through continued agricultural work and the payment of penalties. The bill also would modernize and streamline the H-2A program to make it less burdensome and more cost-effective for employers while strengthening protections for all agricultural workers. Third, the bill would phase in mandatory E-Verify for the agricultural sector.

Source