We have a critical opportunity to fight forced labor and human trafficking right here in Maryland.
Currently under consideration in the Maryland House is HB1543 — an important bill designed to shield migrant guest workers from economic coercion, employer retaliation, and systemic abuse. To turn this vision into reality, we need your voice. Join us in urging the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee to move this vital legislation forward without delay. For the Temporary Workers Bill to stay alive this session, the House must vote the bill out before March 23 — crossover day.
Guestworker programs are built on profound power imbalances. These structural flaws leave workers at a higher risk of facing wage theft, employer-driven debt, discrimination, forced labor and human trafficking. Exploitation should never be the price of working in Maryland. HB1543 levels the playing field by enshrining fundamental worker protections into law.
Specifically, this legislation will:
- Prohibit retaliation against brave individuals who report abuses or cooperate with state investigations.
- Ban predatory recruitment fees —including promissory notes— and mandate that all recruiters operating in Maryland register with the state.
- Allow guest workers to invite legal, health, and community-based organizations into employer-provided housing, ensuring workers are never isolated from the support they need.
- Establish a specialized enforcement unit within the Maryland Department of Labor to proactively monitor, inspect, and investigate complaints in multiple languages.
All workers deserve fairness, safety and support. Stand with migrant workers today. Support HB1543.