H.R.3646 - Guam Temporary Workforce Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3646, the Guam Temporary Workforce Act, aims to grant the Governor of Guam greater authority in determining the need for nonimmigrant workers (H-2B visas) on the island. It allows the Governor to issue temporary labor certifications, which the Secretary of Homeland Security must generally approve, provided they meet certain conditions. The bill seeks to streamline the process for Guam employers to hire temporary foreign workers.
Expected Effects
The likely effect is a shift in power regarding temporary labor certifications from the federal government to the Governor of Guam. This could lead to a more responsive system tailored to Guam's specific labor needs. It may also increase the number of H-2B workers on Guam if the Governor is more lenient in granting certifications.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlined process for Guam employers to obtain H-2B workers.
- Potential for increased responsiveness to Guam's specific labor demands.
- Could address labor shortages in certain sectors on Guam.
- May lead to economic growth on Guam if labor needs are met efficiently.
- Provides a mechanism for the Governor of Guam to tailor workforce solutions to the territory's unique circumstances.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for exploitation of foreign workers if oversight is insufficient.
- Possible displacement of U.S. workers if employers favor cheaper foreign labor.
- Risk of fraud or abuse in the temporary labor certification process.
- Could depress wages for certain occupations on Guam.
- May create dependence on foreign labor rather than investing in local workforce development.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's broad delegation of power to Congress to regulate immigration and naturalization (Article I, Section 8, Clause 4). Congress is essentially delegating some of its authority to the Governor of Guam regarding temporary labor certifications. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or protections.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).