Farm Workforce Support Act of 2023

The Farm Workforce Support Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 hr 2915, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at addressing the labor needs of the agricultural industry. The bill seeks to provide a pathway to legal status for undocumented farmworkers who have been working in the United States for at least two years and have demonstrated a commitment to the industry.

Under the provisions of the bill, eligible farmworkers would be able to apply for a Certified Agricultural Worker (CAW) status, which would grant them temporary legal status and work authorization. To qualify for CAW status, individuals must have worked in agriculture for at least 180 days in the two years prior to the bill's enactment and must continue to work in the industry for a certain number of days each year.

In addition to providing a pathway to legal status for undocumented farmworkers, the Farm Workforce Support Act of 2023 also aims to streamline the H-2A visa program, which allows agricultural employers to hire temporary foreign workers. The bill proposes several reforms to the program, including increasing the number of visas available, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and providing greater flexibility for employers. Overall, the Farm Workforce Support Act of 2023 is designed to address the labor shortages facing the agricultural industry while also providing a fair and humane solution for undocumented farmworkers. The bill has garnered bipartisan support in Congress and is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring the long-term viability of the US agricultural sector.