Representatives Slotkin (D-MI) and Bergman (R-MI) recently introduced Closing the Workforce Gap Act of 2024, which would provide permanent H-2B cap relief by setting the annual H-2B cap at the number of H-2B worker positions certified by the Department of Labor during the previous fiscal year. It also includes some program efficiency and integrity measures.
We need your members of Congress to push for passage of this legislation. Please call your Representative today and ask him or her to cosponsor the “Closing the Workforce Gap Act of 2024” (HR 7574).
You can reach your Representative through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-225-3121. Once connected to the office ask to speak to the staff person who handles immigration policy issues. Explain the importance of the H-2B program and cap relief to your business and your U.S. workers.
Please also mention that the bill includes important program integrity measures, including increasing enforcement and penalties against employers that knowingly violate the law.
Additional Background
The Closing the Workforce Gap Act of 2024 (HR 7574) would do the following:
- Set the annual H-2B cap at the number of H-2B worker positions certified by DOL during the previous fiscal year (example, 211,666 positions certified in FY 2023);
- Exempt employers in geographically remote locations from the annual cap;
- Require the Departments of Labor (DOL), Homeland Security (DHS) and State to create a single on-line filing portal that would eliminate the need to express mail paper documents;
- Require DOL to maintain an online jobs registry;
- Include some program integrity measures and increase the maximum penalties that could be levied against employers who willingly and repeatedly violate the program’s requirements; and
- Address misconduct by foreign recruiters and strengthen workers safety standards for H-2B employees while in the United States.
Save the Date
FEWA’s Annual H-2B Fly-In is partnering with the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Legislative Days in Washington, D.C. on May 21-22, 2024. We are joining together to host one event on the Hill to discuss the importance of immediate and permanent H-2B cap relief. Please plan to attend, additional details and registration will follow.
We truly appreciate you taking the time to reach out to and encourage your Representative and Senators to support the “Closing the Workforce Gap Act of 2024” (HR 7574) and we hope to see you in D.C.