Castro Introduces Legislation to Overhaul Guest Worker Program

Press Release

Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and member of the House Education and Labor Committee, introduced the Seasonal Worker Solidarity Act. This bill creates a new framework for the H-2B temporary guest worker visa program to prevent discrimination and displacement, elevate labor standards, respond to real labor market needs, end captive employment, respect family unity, ensure access to justice, and afford immigrant workers a path to citizenship.

The legislation is co-sponsored by Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chair-elect of the House Appropriations Committee, Representative Judy Chu (CA-27), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Representative Karen Bass (CA-37), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Representative Linda Sánchez, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Task Force on Immigration, Representative Andy Levin (MI-09), Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Congressmen Mark Pocan (WI-2), co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

The Seasonal Worker Solidarity Act is supported by the AFL-CIO, BAC (Bricklayers,) IAM (Machinists), IBB (Boilermakers,) Ironworkers, IUPAT (Painters), LIUNA (Laborers,) NABTU (Building Trades,) UFCW, UNITE HERE, Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Economic Policy Institute, Farmworker Justice, Global Labor Justice Project, Jobs with Justice, Justice at Work, Justice in Motion, New Orleans Worker Center for Racial Justice, and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

"The current visa system for temporary workers is fundamentally flawed, enabling the abuse of hard-working families and failing to account for our economic needs. My bill creates a new framework that protects worker's rights by elevating labor standards and preventing discrimination, and also provides immigrant workers a path to citizenship," said Rep. Castro. "I appreciate the support of the many worker rights and immigrant justice organizations who are supportive of the Solidarity Act, and particularly the leadership of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka."

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