HI HR114

A major 2016 media investigation revealed hundreds of undocumented workers employed in the U.S. commercial fishing industry, who are exempt from most basic labor protections due to a federal law loophole.

Foreign workers from Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Kiribati) work on American-flagged vessels catching high-value fish like swordfish and ahi tuna for wages as low as 70 cents per hour.

Workers without legal visa status are prohibited from setting foot on shore when fishing boats dock at American ports and lack protections available under other state and federal laws.

Requests that the United States Customs and Border Protection establish a crewmember's visa program for foreign citizens working in the commercial fishing industry.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the President, Secretary of Homeland Security, Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Hawaii's Congressional delegation.