Farm bill offers undocumented workers a legal path

What does this do?

This bill would create a new temporary legal status for undocumented farmworkers who can show they did substantial farm work in the U.S. recently, letting them and their families live and work here legally for renewable periods. Workers with very long work histories could apply for a green card by paying a fee and meeting tax obligations. The bill also updates the existing guest worker visa program, requires farms to electronically verify workers' legal status, and includes protections for farmworker housing and applicant personal information.

Who does it affect?

Undocumented immigrants currently doing or recently having done farm work in the U.S., along with their immediate families, would be directly affected. Farms and agricultural employers would also face new requirements around hiring verification and guest worker paperwork.

Why does it matter?

Without a change in law, undocumented farmworkers remain at risk of deportation and have no formal path to legal status. Farms that rely on these workers face ongoing uncertainty about their workforce.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• $1,000 green card application fee
• No other costs or fines mentioned