Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act of 2026

Streamlined Administrative Processes: The creation of a single online platform aims to reduce redundant processes and eliminate the need for employers to submit duplicate information to multiple agencies (Section 4).

Worker Safety Protections: Employers are required to maintain a heat illness prevention plan that includes training and protocols for access to water, shade, and breaks (Section 2, subsection (h)(4)).

Increased Flexibility for Employers: Employers can use an expedited process to amend labor certifications for changes in employment dates, locations, or agricultural activities due to unforeseen circumstances (Section 2, subsection (i)(2)(B)).

Worker Mobility: The bill allows H-2A workers to begin employment with a new employer once a non-frivolous petition is filed (Section 2, subsection (h)(6)(A)).

Labor Certification Longevity: Labor certifications may now be valid for up to three consecutive years (Section 2, subsection (c)(3)(C)).

Protection Against Wage Fluctuations: The required contract wage is protected from being modified based on subsequent adjustments to the adverse effect wage rate during the contract period (Section 2, subsection (j)(2)).

Workforce Termination Risks: Employers may terminate employment due to "force majeure" events such as natural disasters, which could lead to job loss for workers (Section 2, subsection (h)(5)).

Mandatory Housing Costs: Employers are required to provide housing, and the bill allows them to deduct a specific daily charge from a worker's wages for this provision (Section 2, subsection (c)(4)(E)).

Visa Denial Consequences: If a petition for a worker transfer is denied or withdrawn, the worker's employment authorization is terminated, and they must depart the United States within 30 days (Section 2, subsection (h)(6)(D)).

Potential for Unlawful Status Issues: The bill includes a waiver for certain grounds of inadmissibility for aliens who were unlawfully present on a specific date and met specific labor requirements (Section 2, subsection (h)(7)(B)).