Immigration of Temporary Lower-Skilled Workers: Current Policy and Related Issues

This report by the Congressional Research Service examines existing policy and regulations regarding immigrant low-skilled workers in the U.S. It starts by asking the basic question, "Does the United States need to import foreign lower-skilled workers?" before offering overviews of current visa systems including H-2A, H-2B and J-1. It also examines unauthorized employment and the existing employment eligibility verification systems in place. In looking at legislative reform efforts, the report finally lists policy considerations such as wages, numerical limits, enforcement and the treatment of the families of workers.

Given the "tension" between the programs themselves and on the needs of employers and workers, the report concludes that balance is needed between employer and worker needs, and legislative proposals. It states that "it would seem that in the current environment some type of compromise on employer and worker needs may be essential to achieving significant guest worker reform legislatively."

Download now or view online.