US Congress proposes new visa programme to ease construction workforce shortages

A labourer does work to a home’s roof. (Image: Adobe Stock)

The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (EWEA), introduced by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (Republican-Pennsylvania), would launch a new H-2C visa program designed to help industries with persistent labour gaps. The measure would start with 65,000 visas in its first year, with annual levels adjustable between 45,000 and 85,000 depending on market conditions.

To protect domestic jobs, visas would only be available in areas with unemployment at 7.9% or below. Employers must also show that roles have remained unfilled for three consecutive months or 60 days within a 90-day period. Applicants would require an offer from a registered employer, pass background checks, and could not bring family members to the US.

Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) CEO Jeffrey Shoaf said the bill addresses a pressing need.

Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) chief executive Jeff Shoaf (Image courtesy of AGC)

“In a survey… released last month, contractors listed workforce shortages as the number one cause of delayed construction projects. In fact, 92% of construction firms report they are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to hire,” Shoaf said.

AGC said 45% of firms reported project delays tied directly to labour shortages. The contractor trade organisation added that even if federal funding for construction training were doubled tomorrow, it would still take years for schools and training centres to produce the required number of workers.

“Establishing a visa program for construction occupations provides the kind of lawful, temporary, traceable, and taxable pathway needed to serve as a short-term solution while we rebuild the domestic pipeline for preparing new construction workers,” Shoaf added.

EWEA bill coupled with donation incentive

Smucker also reintroduced the USA Workforce Investment Act (H.R. 5493), which would give individuals a tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to nonprofits that run apprenticeship and workforce training programs. The bill is intended to attract private contributions to community colleges, union-affiliated training centres, and other organisations.

He noted that the federal government currently spends US$111 billion annually on four-year degree programs, compared with just $28 billion on career and technical education.

Shoaf said AGC and its 28,000 members will lobby aggressively for both measures, urging lawmakers to move quickly.

The EWEA measure has also won support from other construction associations including the National Roofing Contractors Association, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Leading Builders of America, and the Construction Leadership Council, as well as industry groups in other segments.

ABC said, “The act establishes a targeted, nonfarm, temporary worker visa program with built-in safeguards to protect both employers and employees.

“The bill ensures that jobs remain open and available to American workers first, while giving businesses a legal, reliable pathway to fill long-standing vacancies.

“It strengthens border security, incorporates strict oversight to prevent abuse and closes loopholes in the asylum system, all while providing flexibility for industries like construction that are struggling with severe workforce shortages.”