WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, August 3, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC) proudly announces its support for the State Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ). This legislation would establish a new “W” visa pilot program, giving states the authority to address pressing workforce shortages by sponsoring nonimmigrants for employment, capital investment, business management, and other economic contributions that align with local development goals.
Under this bill, participating states—once approved by their legislatures and the Secretary of Homeland Security—could design and implement customized visa programs to meet local workforce and economic demands. They would regulate employment and residency, set visa terms lasting up to three years, and request renewals. W visa holders could switch employers within the same state’s labor market, and interstate compacts would offer added flexibility for workers and businesses operating across state boundaries. Each state would receive a baseline allocation of 5,000 visas, plus a population‑based share of the remaining pool, subject to a nationwide cap of 500,000. Future allocations would be adjusted for economic growth and compliance. The bill includes compliance and enforcement provisions. It also allows certain undocumented workers to qualify after meeting specified requirements and paying a penalty.
Javier Palomarez, President and CEO of the USHBC, released the following statement:
“Small businesses cannot expand or stay competitive when essential positions go unfilled. Hispanic‑owned small businesses see firsthand both the value of immigrant workers to our economy and the need for a lawful, secure, and accountable system. I applaud Senators John Curtis and Mark Kelly for their bipartisan work and for offering a pragmatic, innovative, flexible, and pro‑business approach to solving critical labor shortages, strengthening local economies, and keeping American businesses competitive.”
The USHBC is prepared to work with Congress to move this legislation forward. Lawmakers must act to modernize the immigration system and help small businesses overcome the severe labor shortages that are slowing economic growth across the country. We call on Congress to pass the State Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act and to also consider other complementary proposals endorsed by the USHBC, including the TRUMP Visa and the Dignity Act.
For more information, follow @myushbc and @JPalomarez on X.
Visit ushbc.com/join to become a member today.
About the USHBC
Javier Palomarez serves as President & CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC). The USHBC is a leading advocate for the small‑business community. As a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization, the USHBC focuses on ensuring the success of American small businesses by giving them a voice in national discussions. The USHBC is a nonpartisan organization.
Katherine Machado O'Hara
The Oxígeno Project
+1 973-753-0488
email us here
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Facebook
X
