Legis Daily

BARN Act

USA118th CongressHR-1778| House 
| Updated: 3/24/2023
Rick W. Allen

Rick W. Allen

Republican Representative

Georgia

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Better Agriculture Resources Now Act or the BARN Act This bill revises the H-2A visa program (temporary agricultural workers), moves administration of the program from the Department of Labor to the Department of Agriculture, and addresses other immigration issues. The bill eliminates a statutory provision calling for the 50% rule, which requires an H-2A employer to hire any qualified U.S. applicants until half of the time period on an H-2A worker's contract has elapsed. The bill also revises requirements for employer-provided housing or housing allowances for H-2A workers, including standards for such accommodations. The employer shall request an inspection to certify that the housing meets the required standards. An employer shall not be required to pay an H-2A worker more than 115% of the federal or applicable state minimum wage, whichever is higher. Non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) admitted as H-2A workers who overstay their visas are barred from the program for five years. Individuals admitted on the basis of fraud or who commit certain crimes are barred permanently. Employers who knowingly hire H-2A workers who overstay their visas or employers who engage in fraud or misrepresentation shall be barred from the program. The bill also prohibits the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) from providing legal assistance for a non-U.S. national unless (1) the non-U.S. national is present in the United States, and (2) the parties have attempted to mediate in good faith. An H-2A employer is not required to allow an entity receiving LSC funding to enter the employer's property without an appointment with a specific H-2A worker.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-60
BARN Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-1037
BARN Act
Mar 24, 2023
Introduced in House
Mar 24, 2023
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-60
    BARN Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-1037
    BARN Act


  • March 24, 2023
    Introduced in House


  • March 24, 2023
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Immigration

BARN Act

USA118th CongressHR-1778| House 
| Updated: 3/24/2023
Better Agriculture Resources Now Act or the BARN Act This bill revises the H-2A visa program (temporary agricultural workers), moves administration of the program from the Department of Labor to the Department of Agriculture, and addresses other immigration issues. The bill eliminates a statutory provision calling for the 50% rule, which requires an H-2A employer to hire any qualified U.S. applicants until half of the time period on an H-2A worker's contract has elapsed. The bill also revises requirements for employer-provided housing or housing allowances for H-2A workers, including standards for such accommodations. The employer shall request an inspection to certify that the housing meets the required standards. An employer shall not be required to pay an H-2A worker more than 115% of the federal or applicable state minimum wage, whichever is higher. Non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) admitted as H-2A workers who overstay their visas are barred from the program for five years. Individuals admitted on the basis of fraud or who commit certain crimes are barred permanently. Employers who knowingly hire H-2A workers who overstay their visas or employers who engage in fraud or misrepresentation shall be barred from the program. The bill also prohibits the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) from providing legal assistance for a non-U.S. national unless (1) the non-U.S. national is present in the United States, and (2) the parties have attempted to mediate in good faith. An H-2A employer is not required to allow an entity receiving LSC funding to enter the employer's property without an appointment with a specific H-2A worker.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-60
BARN Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-1037
BARN Act
Mar 24, 2023
Introduced in House
Mar 24, 2023
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-60
    BARN Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-1037
    BARN Act


  • March 24, 2023
    Introduced in House


  • March 24, 2023
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Rick W. Allen

Rick W. Allen

Republican Representative

Georgia

Judiciary Committee

Immigration

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted