New visa category proposed for traveling carnival and circus workers
In committeeH.R. 2729Latest action
Sponsor: Zoe Lofgren · Representative · CA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Carnivals are Real Entertainment Act
119th Congress
Topics: Immigration
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 2729 would create a new visa for foreign workers who set up, run, and maintain traveling carnivals and circuses.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would add a new visa category to the existing "P" visa system specifically for foreign workers who perform jobs essential to running mobile entertainment operations, like setting up rides, operating games, and running food stands. These workers would follow rules similar to the H-2B visa program, which the Department of Labor already regulates.
Who does it affect?
Carnival and circus companies that rely on seasonal foreign labor, the foreign workers who travel with these shows, and the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor, which would write implementing rules. Local fairs, festivals, and charity fundraising events that depend on traveling carnivals could also be affected.
Why does it matter?
The change would formalize immigration status for a category of traveling entertainment workers who previously may not have fit clearly into existing visa rules, requiring new federal regulations within a year.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 8, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Apr 8, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.