1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Dairy and Sheep H–2A Visa Enhancement Act”.
Dairy and Sheep H–2A Visa Enhancement Act
A BILL
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide a special rule for the period of admission of H–2A nonimmigrants employed as dairy workers and sheepherders, and for other purposes.
2. Nonimmigrant status for dairy workers and sheepherders
Section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a)) is amended by inserting after “abandoning” the following: “who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform agricultural labor or services as a sheepherder or dairy worker, or”.
3. Special rule for period of admission of H–2A nonimmigrants employed as sheepherders or dairy workers
Section 218(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1188(h)) is amended by adding at the end of the following:
“(3) In the case of an alien admitted as an H–2A worker for employment as a dairy worker or sheepherder—
“(A) the initial period of admission shall be for a period of 3 years;
“(B) the period of admission may be extended for additional periods of 3 years; and
“(C) no period of absence from the United States may be required as a condition of approval of an extension under subparagraph (B).”
4. Workers engaged in the range production of livestock
The Secretary of Labor shall issue regulations that address the specific requirements for the provision of housing to workers engaged in the range production of livestock.
5. Range production of livestock
Nothing in section 218 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1188) shall preclude the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Homeland Security from continuing to apply special procedures and requirements to the admission and employment of aliens in occupations involving the range production of livestock.