Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX‑15) introduced the Bracero Program 2.0 Act, an ambitious effort to modernize America’s agricultural labor system and provide legal pathways for migrant workers. The legislation is designed to strengthen the farm workforce, reduce illegal border crossings, and promote fairness in labor practices through targeted reforms to the H‑2A visa program. This information was shared with Texas Border Business through an email from the Congresswoman’s office.
“For decades, the Bracero Program created new opportunities for millions and provided critical support for Texas agriculture,” De La Cruz said. “I am leading efforts to revive the Bracero spirit by reforming H‑2A visas. This will provide solutions desperately needed for hard-working immigrants. With workforce shortages challenging our communities, the Bracero Program 2.0 will bring stability and certainty for South Texas.”
The Original Bracero Program: A Legacy of Opportunity
The original Bracero Program, officially known as the Mexican Farm Labor Program, was launched in 1942 as part of a bilateral agreement between the United States and Mexico to address wartime labor shortages. Over its 22-year duration, more than 4.5 million Mexican workers legally contributed to U.S. agriculture and railroads, helping meet critical labor needs.
The program opened doors for economic advancement, offering many workers their first chance to participate in formal international labor markets. Despite its contributions, the program faced criticism for inconsistent protections, which have informed today’s more worker-focused legislative efforts.
Bracero Program 2.0: Forward-Thinking Reforms
Congresswoman De La Cruz’s proposal aims to build on the original program’s strengths while incorporating modern protections and efficiencies:
• Centralized H‑2A Portal
• A streamlined, electronic application system will reduce paperwork and processing time, benefiting both employers and workers.
• Expanded Eligibility
• The program would now include greenhouses and indoor farms, reflecting the evolution of modern agriculture.
• Competitive Wages
• H‑2A workers would earn the state minimum wage plus $2 per hour, providing clarity and predictability for all parties.
• Extended Work Terms
Visa durations would expand from 10 to 12 months, allowing workers and employers greater continuity and stability.
• Regional Work Permits
• Workers could switch employers within the same sector and state, offering flexibility without risking legal status.
• Stronger Oversight
The GAO will be tasked with producing reports on program integrity and worker protections, ensuring safety, fairness, and compliance.
A Product of Bipartisan Collaboration
The Bracero Program 2.0 Act reflects recommendations from the House Agriculture Committee’s Bipartisan Ag Labor Working Group, where De La Cruz played an active role. It also incorporates direct input from South Texas growers gathered during a roundtable hosted by the Congresswoman earlier this year.
“Farmers in our district are calling for common-sense, legal solutions,” De La Cruz emphasized. “This legislation is not just about solving today’s labor shortages—it’s about building a stronger, more secure agricultural sector for the future.”
While the original Bracero Program was groundbreaking for its time, the Bracero Program 2.0 Act reflects lessons learned over the decades. With strong guardrails, fair wages, and worker protections built into its structure, the new proposal presents a balanced solution that supports the U.S. economy while respecting the dignity of labor.
This legislation has the potential to set a new standard for how America addresses agricultural labor by offering legal, structured pathways to work and ensuring mutual benefit for employers and migrant workers alike.As Congress takes up the Bracero Program 2.0 Act, policymakers and communities across the country will be watching closely. If passed, it could become a model for labor policy that supports economic growth, secures the border, and honors the contributions of tho
