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Read. Follow. Verify.Proposed 'Save Our Seafood Act' Amendment
Record date · May 21, 2026
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What This Bill Does
This proposed Senate amendment would exempt foreign workers employed as fish processors from the annual numerical caps on s. The change aims to address labor shortages in the seafood processing industry by removing these specific roles from the standard visa limit.
If passed, this amendment would allow seafood processing companies to hire an unlimited number of H-2B visa holders for processing roles, potentially increasing the total number of foreign workers in the industry beyond current federal caps.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Seafood processing companies
These companies gain the ability to hire H-2B visa workers for processing roles without being restricted by the annual numerical visa cap.
H-2B visa applicants
Individuals seeking employment in the U.S. seafood processing industry may face fewer barriers to entry if the numerical cap is removed for their specific roles.
Key Facts
- The amendment exempts fish processors, fish roe processors, fish roe technicians, and supervisors of fish roe processing from H-2B visa numerical limits.
- The term 'fish' is defined to include finfish, mollusks, crustaceans, and roe, but excludes marine mammals and birds.
- The term 'processor' includes activities like handling, storing, preparing, freezing, labeling, and dockside unloading.
- The definition of 'processor' excludes those solely harvesting or transporting fish, those preparing fish for holding on a vessel, or retail establishment employees.
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- The amendment repeals Section 14006 of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108-287).
- The amendment was submitted by Senator Murkowski and ordered to lie on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this amendment apply to people who catch fish?
What types of seafood workers are covered by this exemption?
Does this change the total number of H-2B visas available?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Discoveries
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Removal of Visa Caps for Seafood Processing
The amendment seeks to move seafood processing labor entirely outside the H-2B visa cap system, a significant departure from standard numerical limitations.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz25Current news / social attention level
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