Bill · H.R. 5494· House(119-HR-5494)
Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act
- Introduced
- 9/18/2025
- Last activity
- 9/18/2025 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Lloyd Smucker
- Cosponsors
- - 8 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act," seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a new H-2C nonimmigrant classification. This classification is intended for individuals coming temporarily to perform services or labor for registered non-agricultural employers in registered positions. The legislation establishes specific definitions for employers, occupations, and job openings to regulate the admission of these workers. It also outlines requirements for employer registration, application processes, and worker reporting duties. Additionally, the bill establishes numerical limitations on the number of available positions and creates oversight mechanisms through the Department of Homeland Security.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would business owners be better off under this?+7
The bill provides a new mechanism for employers to recruit essential workers for registered positions.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+6
The bill reserves at least one quarter of the initially allocated positions specifically for small business employers.
Is this likely to create jobs?+5
The bill creates a new H-2C nonimmigrant classification to help employers fill job openings.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Would immigrants be better off under this?-4
The bill imposes strict unemployment limits, mandatory departure requirements, and restrictions on bringing family members.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-2
The bill includes a study on whether the program impacts the demand for low-income and subsidized housing.
Does this make housing cost less?-2
The bill requires a study on whether the program impacts housing prices and the demand for low-income housing.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Opportunities for Small Businesses: The bill reserves at least one quarter of the initially allocated registered positions specifically for small business employers (Section 3(h)(2)(A)).
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Protection Against Exploitation: The bill prohibits H-2C nonimmigrants from being treated as independent contractors and prevents employers from deducting required fees from their wages (Section 3(l)(2) and Section 3(l)(3)).
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Whistleblower Protections: The legislation includes protections that make it unlawful for employers to retaliate against employees who disclose violations or cooperate in investigations (Section 3(l)(5)).
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Workforce Portability: H-2C nonimmigrants are permitted to work at any worksite if advertised, and after one year of employment, they can seek and accept employment with other registered employers (Section 3(i)(1)).
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Priority for Certain Training Programs: Priority consideration is given to employers who promote hiring programs for justice-involved youth or participate in industry apprenticeship and training programs (Section 3(h)(2)(C)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Family Members: The bill stipulates that a spouse or child may not enter the United States under this classification unless the spouse has received an offer of employment from a registered employer (Section 3(c)).
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Limitations on Public Benefits: H-2C nonimmigrants are not entitled to the premium assistance tax credit and are subject to specific rules regarding other tax credits (Section 3(g)(1)).
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Strict Unemployment Limits: An H-2C nonimmigrant may be unemployed for no more than 45 consecutive days and must depart the United States if they cannot find employment within that period (Section 3(c)(6)(B)).
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Mandatory Penalties for Non-compliance: Nonimmigrants who fail to report to their initial employment within 14 days can face the revocation of their employment authorization and removal proceedings (Section 3(c)(6)(A) and Section 3(c)(10)).
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Economic and Infrastructure Impacts: The bill requires a study to examine how the program might affect the quality of life, housing prices, and access to health care in participating areas (Section 3(k)(1) and Section 3(k)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+6Increases Job Creation+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+7Good For Union Workers+2Good For Immigrants-4Good For Low Income Households-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits-1
- 1/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/23/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/18/2025
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 9 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Mark AmodeiRepublican · Nevada
Henry CuellarDemocrat · Texas
Juan CiscomaniRepublican · Arizona
Donald DavisDemocrat · North Carolina
Monica De La CruzRepublican · Texas
Andy HarrisRepublican · Maryland
Mike KellyRepublican · Pennsylvania
Mike KennedyRepublican · Utah
Richard McCormickRepublican · Georgia
Maria SalazarRepublican · Florida
Thomas SuozziDemocrat · New York