Bill · S. 1292· Senate(119-S-1292)
Save Our Seafood Act
- Introduced
- 4/3/2025
- Last activity
- 4/3/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Lisa Murkowski
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 4
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Save Our Seafood Act," seeks to permanently authorize an exemption for certain workers from the H-2B nonimmigrant visa numerical limit. The exemption applies to aliens working as fish processors or specific roles involving fish roe. It defines "fish" to include various aquatic life such as finfish, mollusks, and crustaceans, while excluding marine mammals and birds. The bill also provides a specific definition for what constitutes "processing" activities. Finally, it includes a provision to repeal Section 14006 of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would immigrants be better off under this?+6
The bill creates a more accessible path for specific immigrant workers to secure long-term employment status.
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
The bill provides a reliable source of labor for seafood processing businesses.
Is this likely to create jobs?+5
The bill facilitates job creation in the seafood processing industry by removing visa cap restrictions for these roles.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Exemption from Visa Caps: The bill would allow certain workers to obtain status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) regardless of the numerical limitations placed on H-2B visas (Section 2(a)). This could benefit those seeking employment in the seafood industry.
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Expanded Job Roles: The bill specifically includes fish roe processors, fish roe technicians, supervisors of fish roe processing, and general fish processors (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(i)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Exclusion of Certain Roles: The bill explicitly excludes people engaged in harvesting or transporting fish without processing, certain preparatory activities on harvest vessels, and those operating retail establishments (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(ii)(I)(II)).
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Exclusion of Specific Species: The definition of "fish" under this act does not include marine mammals and birds (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(ii)(I)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants+6Good For Business Owners+5Good For Rural Residents+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+5Improves Small Business Support+4Improves Economic Growth+3
- 4/3/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 7 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Bill CassidyRepublican · Louisiana
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
John KennedyRepublican · Louisiana
Thomas TillisRepublican · North Carolina
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Mark WarnerDemocrat · Virginia