MAGA Lawmaker Battles Party Over Foreign Worker Expansion
Representative Andy Harris, a prominent MAGA-aligned congressman and chair of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, finds himself in a contentious position as he advocates for increasing the cap on temporary foreign workers. This stance has drawn sharp criticism from within his own party, including from influential figures like Steve Bannon, who accuse him of betraying Donald Trump's agenda.
Defending H-2B Visa Expansion
Harris, Maryland's sole Republican congressman, is pushing for the United States to expand the limit on H-2B visas, which currently allow up to 66,000 workers annually to enter the country for non-agricultural jobs. In his home district on Maryland's Eastern Shore, these workers are crucial for the struggling seafood industry, particularly in crabbing operations. According to a Politico report, Harris visited the White House in January 2026 and successfully persuaded the administration to raise the visa count for the year to 65,000, nearly reaching the legal maximum.
"This is not an immigration issue — this is a temporary foreign worker issue," Harris insisted in his interview with Politico, emphasizing the economic necessity for his constituents.
Bipartisan Efforts and Opposition
Harris is involved with the DIGNIDAD Act, a comprehensive immigration bill that represents Congress's most significant attempt in years to address the issue. The legislation aims to enhance E-verification tools while providing a pathway for undocumented workers to live and work legally in the U.S., though it stops short of offering full citizenship. A key provision, originally championed by the late Democratic Senator Barbara Mikulski, would exclude returning foreign workers from annual caps, effectively expanding visa availability gradually.
Despite its bipartisan appeal, the proposal faces fierce resistance from anti-immigration hardliners within the Republican Party. Steve Bannon, host of the War Room podcast, recently criticized the visa expansion during an episode with Rosemary Jenks of the Immigration Accountability Project. Jenks labeled the DIGNIDAD Act the "SAAW Act" or "Screw All American Workers," claiming it would grant "mass amnesty" to millions of immigrants.
Broader Criticism and Union Concerns
Opposition extends beyond political circles to include labor unions. The Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) issued a statement arguing that "flooding the labor market with exploitable foreign workers drives down wages and weakens the standard for all workers." They advocate for better wages and working conditions as alternatives to visa increases.
Former Trump administration official Stephen Miller has also voiced strong opposition, using inflammatory rhetoric on social media to accuse supporters of importing "monsters" and "mass murderers."
Political Implications for Harris
Harris's political standing appears secure for now. He won his eighth House term in 2024 by over 20 points and his primary by 60 points. A redistricting effort by Maryland's Democratic Governor Wes Moore, aimed at making Harris's seat more favorable to Democrats, has stalled in the state Senate, leaving his district intact. However, his position could be threatened if he loses support from Donald Trump, who has previously withheld endorsements from other Republicans, such as Senator John Cornyn in Texas.
As the debate over H-2B visas intensifies, Harris continues to navigate the delicate balance between supporting his district's economic needs and adhering to the anti-immigration sentiments prevalent in much of his party.
