Disapproving of the rule submitted by the Department of Homeland Security relating to "Modernizing H-2 Program Requirements, Oversight, and Worker Protections".

House Joint Resolution

H.J.Res. 21

119th Congress

Disapproving of the rule submitted by the Department of Homeland Security relating to "Modernizing H-2 Program Requirements, Oversight, and Worker Protections".

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 16, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Derrick Francis Van Orden

Representative

Republican

WI-3

Cosponsors

2

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Immigration

Summary

This resolution would nullify DHS rules that modernized protections for H-2A agricultural and H-2B temporary workers, including whistleblower protections and a 60-day grace period after job loss.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This resolution would nullify DHS rules that modernized protections for H-2A agricultural and H-2B temporary workers, including whistleblower protections and a 60-day grace period after job loss.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security titled <em>Modernizing H–2 Program Requirements, Oversight, and Worker Protections</em> and published on December 18, 2024. This rule modifies several regulations applicable to agricultural (H-2A) and nonagricultural (H-2B) temporary nonimmigrant workers, including by providing additional whistleblower protections for these workers, eliminating the differential treatment of nationals of countries designated as eligible, and establishing a 60-day grace period for workers after the revocation or cessation of eligible employment.</p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Nullifies H-2 worker protection rules
Removes whistleblower protections
Eliminates 60-day grace period
Affects agricultural and seasonal workers

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Temporary foreign workers in agriculture and seasonal industries would lose new protections. Employers who rely on H-2 workers could see reduced compliance requirements, while workers would have fewer safeguards.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Immigration

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

21, 119th Congress (2025). "Disapproving of the rule submitted by the Department of Homeland Security relating to "Modernizing H-2 Program Requirements, Oversight, and Worker Protections".". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hjres-21