AGC-Opposed H2B Visa Bill Expected To Be Introduced in June

Draft legislation to change the H2B Visa program has been circulated and is expected to be introduced in the House this month.   The H2B Visa is currently the only visa available to the construction industry to bring in workers from outside the United States.  Just 66,000 H2B visas are permitted each year, and is shared with numerous other industries.  Though the industry may not have as much of a need for these visas at the current time, the suggested changes would have a huge impact on the program for years to come should this bill be passed into law.  The legislation that is expected to be introduced would make it much more difficult for the construction industry to qualify for such visas.  Companies would have to register with the Department of Labor; prove the seasonal nature of the job they are seeking; gather written certification from labor unions that there are not sufficient U.S. workers available; be unable to participate if they subcontract; and have to follow myriad new labor requirements.   AGC will maintain conversations with appropriate Capitol Hill staff as debate moves forward on this expected legislation.