A bipartisan bill to bolster temporary work visa programs was introduced by U.S. Reps. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) and David Valadao (R-CA).

The H-2A Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act, HR 4708, aims to streamline the issuance of nonimmigrant temporary work visas.

Gonzales, who co-sponsored the bill, said work visa options need to be strengthened and streamlined to reach the economy’s full potential.

“I represent 119 cities in Texas. From urban cores to rural communities, one thing unites them all: a desperate need for labor,” Gonzales said. “Unfortunately, solutions such as temporary work visa programs are riddled with red tape, making it difficult for employers to fully staff up. This is especially true for small businesses, farmers, ranchers and so many others on Main Street that are struggling to get by.”

If passed, the bill would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to stipulate that a certification, or a petition filed on behalf of an immigrant to temporarily perform labor or services in the United States, shall be in effect for a period of three years.

HR 4708 would also permit an in-person interview to be waived for an immigrant who is seeking to renew status.

The bill would help address agricultural labor issues and is endorsed by several farm groups, including Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) and the American Farm Bureau Federation.

“Texas farmers and ranchers continue facing severe challenges finding reliable agricultural labor,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “The time to provide workable solutions to our current flawed H-2A program is now. Texas Farm Bureau strongly supports the H-2A Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act, which would help streamline our current agricultural guest worker program. We thank Congressman Tony Gonzales for working on this legislation and being a champion for American farmers and ranchers.”

The bill has 20 co-sponsors, including U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar and Monica De La Cruz of Texas.