Kelly, Curtis Propose State-Sponsored Visa Pilot Program

Bipartisan legislation would empower states and address growing workforce demands in Arizona

Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the State Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to create a new temporary visa program that allows states to address their unique workforce and economic development needs while maintaining strong federal oversight and immigration enforcement.

"States understand their own economic needs best, but federal rules currently determine who can live and work here," said Kelly. "Our bipartisan bill would let Arizona and other states choose the visas they need to fill labor gaps and strengthen their local economies."

"I've heard time and again from small business owners, farmers, and ranchers across Utah how difficult it has become to hire enough workers to meet growing market demands," said Curtis. "Our legislation would help fill the gap by creating a pilot program allowing states to sponsor visas tailored to their unique economies, without sacrificing rigorous federal vetting or accountability."

The State Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act of 2026 is supported by ThirdWay, UnidosUS, the U.S. Hispanic Business Council, American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) Action, the National Immigration Forum, Aliento, the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Essential Worker Immigration Coalition (EWIC).

See what Arizona and national leaders are saying in support of the legislation:

"Small businesses cannot grow or compete when critical positions remain unfilled. Hispanic-owned small businesses understand firsthand both the economic contributions of immigrant workers and the need for a lawful, secure, and accountable process. I commend Senators John Curtis and Mark Kelly for working across the aisle and offering a pragmatic, innovative, flexible, and pro-business solution to address critical labor shortages, strengthen local economies, and keep American businesses competitive," said Javier Palomarez, President and CEO, U.S. Hispanic Business Council.

"We are grateful to Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) for their bipartisan leadership in creating common-sense immigration and workforce solutions that recognizes the contributions of skilled, long-term immigrants and reflects the realities of our modern economy," said Rebecca Shi, CEO, ABIC Action. "This legislation is a significant step toward solving the chronic workforce shortages that have hampered growth across diverse sectors, from agriculture and construction to hospitality and manufacturing. Families across America are feeling the squeeze of higher prices, and the lack of legal pathways for workers who are already here and contributing plays a key role. With food costs up 30% and a national housing shortage of 3.7 million homes, we simply cannot staff the farms, job sites, and restaurants that keep our economy moving. We can't lower prices unless we protect our essential workers."

"Our economy depends on a vibrant workforce, and states often know best how to achieve that in their jurisdiction," said Jennie Murray, President and CEO, the National Immigration Forum. "The State Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Actwould allow states to close local labor gaps with a legal immigrant workforce. It would also allow states to adjust the number of worker visas allowed each year depending on the state's economic growth. This is an innovative effort that would update our immigration system to better address current economic needs, creating opportunity for all."

"At Aliento, I meet young people every day who grew up in Arizona, went to school here, and are ready to work and give back, but have no legal way to do it, and I know that feeling myself as a DACA recipient. This bill gives states the flexibility to solve their own workforce challenges instead of waiting on Washington, and it gives Arizona employers in agriculture, health care, and technology a legal, reliable way to fill jobs. It's a practical, state-driven approach that lets us work, pay taxes, and build the lives we've already started. One both parties should be able to get behind," said Reyna Montoya, Founder and CEO, Aliento.

"Southern Arizona's economy depends on both a secure border and a workforce that allows our businesses to grow and compete. Thoughtful proposals like this recognize that states understand their economic needs while maintaining accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. That's the kind of balanced conversation our country should be having," said Rob Elias, President & Chief Executive Officer, Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

"Small-owned businesses are engines of Arizona's economic growth and they need a reliable, authorized workforce to thrive. This bill gives states the flexibility to meet their own workforce needs and bring the talent for businesses to be successful. This bill is a common-sense approach that's good for businesses, good for workers, and good for Arizona. We're grateful to Senators Kelly and Curtis for their leadership on this issue," said Mónica S. Villalobos, President & CEO, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

"The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry appreciates Sens. Mark Kelly and John Curtis for recognizing that states have unique workforce needs that often require tailored solutions. Employers across Arizona continue to face persistent labor shortages in key sectors, and legal visa holders play an important role in helping businesses meet those workforce demands while supporting economic growth. Our current worker visa system is too cumbersome and too slow to respond to changing labor market conditions and needs. We applaud Senators Kelly and Curtis for getting the conversation started on a thoughtful proposal to modernize the system, and we look forward to working with them as the legislation continues to take shape," said Danny Seiden, President and CEO, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"This bipartisan legislation reflects growing interest in place-based immigration to strengthen local economies. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences' Community Partnership Visa working group proposal emphasizes community partnership, demonstrated need, and long-term integration," said Matthew Slaughter, Paul Danos Dean and Earl C. Daum 1924 Professor of International Business, Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College and Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences' Community Partnership Visa Working Group.

"The Essential Worker Immigration Coalition (EWIC) applauds Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) for introducing legislation to establish a state-sponsored visa pilot program. We commend the senators for contributing a serious, constructive proposal to the national conversation about legal immigration reform and for recognizing that states, communities, and employers across the country face workforce challenges that demand lawful, flexible, and accountable solutions," said Laura Reiff, Co-Chair, Essential Worker Immigration Coalition.

Click here to read the Essential Worker Immigration Coalition's full letter of support.

Background:

Under the legislation, states could voluntarily establish state-sponsored visa programs tailored to their labor market demands, subject to approval by the Department of Homeland Security. Participating states would determine which workers or investors they sponsor while remaining responsible for monitoring compliance with program requirements. The federal government would retain authority over security screening, visa issuance, and immigration enforcement. Every applicant would be required to pass comprehensive federal background and security checks before receiving a visa.

To ensure accountability, the legislation requires participating states to:

• Assess workforce needs and prevailing wages on a regular basis;
• Prevent displacement of American workers and investigate complaints;
• Track participants' employment and residency;
• Report compliance to the federal government; and
• Accept reductions or suspensions in visa allocations if compliance standards are not met.

The bill also includes strong safeguards to protect taxpayers and uphold immigration laws. State-sponsored visa holders would be ineligible for federal means-tested benefits, would be subject to all applicable federal, state, and local labor and tax laws, and could lose their status if they violate program requirements or leave the sponsoring state without authorization.

Click here to read the full text of the bill.