Immigration reforms currently being debated in the American Congress include a revamp of the guest worker programme, which could deliver improved rights to the ten of thousands of foreigners who secure temporary work in the USA each year.
At present, the guest worker programme provides visas to more than 37,000 overseas employees, the majority of whom work in the USA for more than the national minimum wage.
Most are drafted in to perform farm work and other manual labour when there is insufficient local help.
The Associated Press reports that the White House is backing overhauled legislation that would give these workers more freedoms and rights as citizens than they currently receive when conducting work in the USA.
The H-2A agricultural visa, for instance, permits foreigners to live and work in the USA for up to six months. Employers are obliged to pay such workers above the average wage, which in Florida is $8.56 per hour.
A review of the Sunshine StateÃs visa filings reveal that around three quarters of applications are completed by contractors - the majority on the behalf of the citrus industry, which requires large numbers of fruit pickers each season.
It is essential for foreigners performing work in the USA to secure reliable visitors insurance. The right policy will protect against the potential financial implications of a worst-case scenario.
Contributed by J.Bevan
