Moving H–2A to United States Department of Agriculture Act of 2025

# Moving H–2A to United States Department of Agriculture Act of 2025 (HR 1891) **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would transfer the H-2A temporary agricultural worker visa program from the Department of Labor to the Department of Agriculture. The H-2A program allows U.S. employers in agriculture to hire foreign workers temporarily when they cannot find enough domestic workers. Currently, the Labor Department oversees eligibility requirements, wage standards, and worker protections. Under this proposal, the USDA would take over these responsibilities instead. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The change would directly impact agricultural employers, foreign workers seeking H-2A visas, and potentially domestic agricultural workers.

The bill's supporters may argue that moving the program to USDA (which already works closely with farmers) could streamline the hiring process. Critics might be concerned about whether USDA has the expertise in labor law and worker protections that the Department of Labor currently provides. **Current Status** As of now, HR 1891 remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. The bill was introduced by Rep. W. Gregory Steebe (R-FL) and has not advanced further in the legislative process.