The Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which would overhaul and expand the H-2A visa program, is in the mix again as lawmakers consider trying to pass immigration reform.
The measure, reintroduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., and Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., would provide a missing piece to the broad immigration bill introduced with President Biden’s backing last month. The FWMA passed the House in 2019 but was never considered in the Senate, which was then under GOP control.
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The FWMA “is the culmination of nearly a decade of negotiations between key stakeholders and represents an important first step toward resolving, once and for all, one of the biggest challenges facing American farmers,” said Dave Puglia, president and CEO of the Western Growers Association.
California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson said the bill “would improve agricultural visa programs and accommodate immigrant agricultural employees already in the United States, while enhancing border security.”
Immigration reform remains very difficult to pass in the Senate.
