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Congresswoman Advocates Special Visa for Texas Migrant Workers

1/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz plans to meet the U.S. Department of Labor to discuss a special visa program for migrant workers in Texas construction.
She advocates new legal pathways for migrant workers similar to the H-2A visa for agriculture.
The push follows a meeting with the South Texas Builders Association.
More than 300 industry representatives expressed their challenges.
Over 9,100 arrests occurred in the past year.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1986, the H-2A visa program allows U.S. agricultural employers to legally hire foreign workers, addressing labor shortages with over 200,000 temporary workers annually. Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz's push for a similar visa for Texas construction workers highlights ongoing labor challenges, reflecting a historical reliance on guest worker programs like the Bracero Program, which operated from 1942 to 1964.

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Story summary

U.S. Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz plans to meet the U.S. Department of Labor to discuss a special visa program for migrant workers in Texas construction.
She advocates new legal pathways for migrant workers similar to the H-2A visa for agriculture.
The push follows a meeting with the South Texas Builders Association.
More than 300 industry representatives expressed their challenges.
Over 9,100 arrests occurred in the past year.

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