USHBC backs state-sponsored visa pilot for workforce shortages

The United States Hispanic Business Council endorsed a bipartisan Senate bill on August 3, 2026, that would let states create their own visa pilot programs to fill labor gaps. The proposal could reshape how states recruit workers and invest in local economies, while adding compliance rules and a nationwide cap.

Why it matters: - The State Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act would give states a new tool to respond to workforce shortages that are slowing business growth. - The proposal is aimed at helping small businesses fill open jobs, attract capital and support local economic development. - The bill could also create a lawful pathway for some undocumented workers to qualify after meeting requirements and paying a penalty.

What happened: - The United States Hispanic Business Council endorsed the State Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act on August 3, 2026. - Senators John Curtis, Republican of Utah, and Mark Kelly, Democrat of Arizona, are leading the bipartisan legislation. - Javier Palomarez, USHBC president and CEO, said Hispanic-owned small businesses see both the benefits of immigrant labor and the need for a lawful, secure and accountable process. - Palomarez praised the senators for offering what he called a pragmatic, innovative, flexible and pro-business solution.

The details: - The bill would create a new “W” visa pilot program. - Participating states could sponsor nonimmigrants to work, invest capital, direct business operations and contribute to economic development priorities. - A state would need approval from its legislature and the secretary of Homeland Security to participate. - States could design visa programs tailored to local workforce and economic needs. - States could regulate employment and residency under the pilot. - Visa terms could run for up to three years, with renewals allowed. - W visa holders could change employers within the participating labor market. - Interstate compacts could give workers and businesses added flexibility across state lines. - Each state would get a baseline of 5,000 visas. - States would also receive a population-based share of the remaining visas. - The nationwide cap would be 500,000 visas. - Future allocations would adjust for economic growth and compliance. - The bill includes compliance and enforcement mechanisms.

Between the lines: - The endorsement puts a business group behind a states-first immigration approach rather than a single federal workforce program. - The structure suggests lawmakers are trying to balance labor mobility with tighter oversight and local control. - The inclusion of interstate compacts signals an effort to make the pilot useful for employers that operate across multiple states.

What's next: - The USHBC said it is ready to work with Congress to advance the legislation. - The group urged lawmakers to modernize the immigration system and address labor shortages constraining economic growth nationwide. - USHBC also urged consideration of other endorsed immigration proposals, including the TRUMP Visa and the Dignity Act. - The organization directed readers to follow @myushbc and @JPalomarez on X and to visit the membership page to join. - Additional contact information for The Oxígeno Project and the USHBC social accounts appeared in the release.