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A report recently published by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) reveals how the rights and vulnerabilities of H-2 workers affect their employment opportunities in the United States. The report compared the work experiences of individuals with H-2 visas with those of undocumented workers and Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) in the United States.

The report shows that H-2 workers are at a disadvantage in comparison with Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs). Part of the disadvantage is due to the limited mobility workers are granted under the H-2 visa program. H-2 workers lack the opportunities for advancement that LPRs and even undocumented workers have in the United States.

These differences can also be seen when comparing workers’ wages across legal statuses.  On average, an H-2 visa worker earns 11% less than a Permanent Resident (LPR). These differences suggest that employers use the threat of deportation to pay lower salaries to both H-2 and undocumented workers.

Though H-2 visa holders have authorization to work legally in the United States, their labor rights are violated regularly. Violations may include illegally low salaries or working conditions that are not in compliance with the law.

To learn more and hear directly from an EPI researcher and an H-2B worker, listen to this program from the Voy Contratado: Migrants' Rights on Radio series.

This report highlights the need for change within the H-2 program. For this type of temporary work program to offer a fair alternative to migrant workers, labor rights abuses must be addressed and combated. Though reforms have been slow, the program continues to grow and must be updated in order to adequately protect temporary workers.

Have you ever experienced unpaid wages, fraud in the labor recruitment process or other violations to your rights? Share your story anonymously on Contratados.org and help others to protect themselves and defend their rights when facing dishonest recruiters and abusive employers!

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