New H-2A bill could bring relief to Valley farmers facing labor shortages

Washington D.C. (ValleyCentral) — A new federal bill could help farmers in the Valley fill vacant
farming jobs by streamlining the H-2A visa process.

Despite U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz's (R-Texas) tough stance on immigration, she introduced
new legislation this week that would allow migrant workers into the country to fill agricultural
labor shortages.

"We have an opportunity to look at our immigration process and bring hard-working legal
immigrants into the United States," said De La Cruz.

The legislation would centralize applications for visas into a single electronic portal, according to
a press release from the Congresswoman. Additionally, it would make the following changes to
the H-2A visa program:

• Expand the H-2A program to include greenhouses and indoor farms.
• Ensure fair and predictable compensation for H-2A workers by setting the wage rate to
  the state's minimum wage plus $2.00 per hour.
• Extend H-2A contracts from 10 months or less to 12 months.
• Provide workers with a regional labor permit valid for agricultural work within a specified
  state, allowing permit holders to change employers in the same sector without reapplying
  for a visa.
• Ensure accountability by requiring the GAO to report on H-2A Program Integrity within one year.
• Prioritize the safety of workers by requiring the GAO to report on the H-2A Worker
  Protections and Enforcement, including any workplace violations, unsafe working conditions, unsafe living conditions, and underpayment of wages.

The bill has received some bipartisan support, especially at the national level. U.S. Rep. Henry
Cuellar (D-Texas) is one Democrat on board.

"My father was a migrant worker. My mother was a migrant worker. It's hard work being out
there in the sun, bending over, picking the fruit and the vegetables… if Americans don't want to
do that, then we gotta find certain people to do that work," said Cuellar.

He also added that he is advocating for easier access to H-2B visas, which are similar
to H-2As but allow migrants to work non-agricultural jobs.

Locally, Hidalgo County Democratic Chair Richard Gonzales attacked the legislation, calling it
"Too little, too late."

"She voted for Trump's ugly bill and has stood by every horrible thing he's done, knowing it
would hurt her district. She doesn't get to backtrack now. She needs to be held accountable," said Gonzalez.

However, across the aisle, Hidalgo County GOP Chairman Robert Cantu expressed more
support for De La Cruz's initiative.

"The Bracero 2.0 Program is a great way to keep workers in industries where they are needed.
We know who they are, and it can lead to a pathway to legal citizenship," said Cantu.

The bill is still in its infancy stage and will require approval from the House of Representatives.
the Senate, and a final sign-off from the President.