DHS releases proposed rule for H-2A program

On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a notice of proposed rulemaking to increase oversight of its H-2 temporary visa program, including for workers in the H-2A temporary agricultural program. The proposed rule would allow H-2A workers to switch to employers that do not use E-Verify to check workers' legal status. DHS is accepting comments on the proposal through November 20. This proposal follows last week’s release of a proposal from the Department of Labor on the H-2A program. Interested parties can view the proposed rule here and submit comments here.

House Committee on the Budget advances budget resolution

On Wednesday, the House Committee on the Budget passed a budget resolution for fiscal years 2024-2033, titled “Reverse the Curse” on a 20-14 vote.  The resolution included a policy statement on agriculture, which stated the importance of protecting the farm safety net and curbing the use of the Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation. The full budget resolution can be found here.