Library / Laws / 117th / hr / H.R. 4578 / Introduced in House
I
117th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4578
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 20, 2021Mr. Rice of South Carolina introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
A BILL
To expand the H–2B visa program, and for other purposes.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Relief for Seasonal Businesses Act of 2021.
2.
Expansion of H–2B program
Section 214(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. (g)) is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)(B) by striking 66,000 and inserting 350,000;
(2) in paragraph (9), to read as follows:
(9)
Returning workers
(A)
In general
Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), an alien shall not again be counted toward such limitation during fiscal year if that alien had already been counted toward the numerical limitation of paragraph (1)(B) during any of the 3 fiscal years immediately preceding that fiscal year. Such an alien shall be considered a returning worker.
(B)
Petitions
A petition to admit or otherwise provide status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) shall include, with respect to a returning worker—
(i) all information and evidence that the Secretary of Homeland Security determines is required to support a petition for status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b);
(ii) the full name of the alien; and
(iii) a certification to the Department of Homeland Security that the alien is a returning worker.
(C)
Approval
An H–2B visa or grant of nonimmigrant status for a returning worker shall be approved only if the alien is confirmed to be a returning worker by—
(i) the Department of State; or
(ii) if the alien is visa exempt or seeking to change to status under section 101 (a)(15)(H)(ii)(b), the Department of Homeland Security.
; and
(3) in paragraph (10), by striking 33,000 and inserting 175,000.