H.R. 4748: Agriculture Workforce Reform Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Agriculture Workforce Reform Act of 2025, aims to modify the rules regarding agricultural workers who are not U.S. citizens. Here’s a summary of the key provisions:

Eligibility for Agricultural Workers

The bill allows certain noncitizens who have previously worked in U.S. agriculture to apply for nonimmigrant status, specifically for agricultural labor or services. It defines a "covered alien" as a person who:

• Has worked in agricultural labor or services in the U.S. for at least 2 years during the time frame from January 1, 2021, to their departure or removal from the U.S.
• Has not unlawfully received any federal, state, or local public benefits during their stay in the U.S.

Inadmissibility and Removability Provisions

This bill temporarily lifts certain grounds of inadmissibility and removability from immigration law for covered aliens. This means:

• If a covered alien applies for admission after departing or being removed, they will not be barred based on previous immigration violations related to their prior status.
• Employers hiring these aliens will not face prosecution for illegal employment under existing immigration laws.

Fees and Admission Period

Both the alien and their employer must pay a fee, determined by the Secretary of Labor, which will be no less than $2,500. A successful application will grant the alien a period of admission of up to 3 years, which can be renewed for additional 3-year terms.

Definitions and Timeframe

The bill specifies that the “covered period” is the duration starting from the enactment date and lasting for 3 years afterward. This creates a defined window for eligible applicants and their employers.

Immunity from Prosecution

Under this bill:

• Employers are immune from prosecution for employing covered aliens during the specified period.
• Covered aliens are also immune from prosecution for any immigration violations that occurred before they seek admission under this act.

Relevant Companies

None found