To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to base the numerical limitations for H-2B nonimmigrants on economic need, and for other purposes.

Plain-English Summary

This bill proposes changes to how the U.S. government sets limits on H-2B visas, which are temporary work permits for foreign workers hired to fill non-agricultural, seasonal jobs. Examples of industries that commonly use H-2B workers include landscaping, hospitality, seafood processing, and construction. Currently, federal law caps the number of H-2B visas at a fixed number each year (66,000), regardless of how much demand exists in the economy at any given time.

The core change this bill would make is to tie the number of H-2B visas available to actual economic need rather than a rigid, predetermined cap. In other words, the number of workers allowed in under this visa program would be adjusted based on real-world labor market conditions — such as whether employers can find enough American workers to fill open positions. When labor demand is high and domestic workers are unavailable, more visas could potentially be issued; when demand is lower, fewer would be needed.

This bill would most directly affect U.S. businesses that rely on seasonal or temporary workers, American workers in industries where H-2B workers are commonly employed, and foreign nationals seeking temporary work opportunities in the United States. Supporters of similar proposals often argue it helps businesses fill genuine labor shortages, while critics raise concerns about impacts on American workers' wages and job availability — though this summary takes no position on those arguments.

The bill has been referred to two House committees — the Judiciary Committee and the Education and Workforce Committee — for review. It is still in the very early stages of the legislative process.