Bill 118 hr 9978, also known as the Red Card Guest Worker Act of 2024, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to establish a new guest worker program that would allow foreign nationals to enter the United States for temporary employment.
Under the Red Card Guest Worker Act, eligible foreign nationals would be able to apply for a "red card" that would grant them permission to work in the US for a specified period of time. These guest workers would be required to have a valid job offer from a US employer and would be subject to background checks and other screening processes.
The bill also includes provisions for the protection of guest workers, including requirements for employers to provide safe working conditions, fair wages, and access to healthcare. Additionally, the Red Card Guest Worker Act would establish a system for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the program's regulations.
Supporters of the bill argue that it would help address labor shortages in certain industries and provide a legal pathway for foreign workers to fill jobs that Americans are not willing to take. Critics, however, raise concerns about the potential for exploitation of guest workers and the impact on wages and job opportunities for US citizens.
Overall, the Red Card Guest Worker Act of 2024 is a complex piece of legislation that seeks to balance the needs of US employers with the rights and protections of foreign guest workers. Its fate in Congress remains uncertain as lawmakers continue to debate its merits and potential consequences.