New 'RIDE Act' Proposes P4 Visa for Carnival and Circus Workers: What It Means for Summer Fairs and US Jobs

This proposed legislation, the "Restoring Industry Development in Entertainment Act" or "RIDE Act," aims to address labor needs in the traveling entertainment sector by creating a new temporary work visa category. Specifically, it introduces the P4 nonimmigrant visa for what the bill defines as "mobile entertainment workers."

Behind the Big Top: Who Gets the New Visa?

The RIDE Act defines "mobile entertainment workers" as individuals coming to the U.S. temporarily to handle essential tasks for traveling carnivals and circuses. This covers a range of jobs outlined in Section 3, including transporting, setting up, operating, taking down, and maintaining rides, games, attractions, and food concessions. It also includes other functions needed for safe operation. The visa applies to workers employed by "mobile entertainment providers," defined as carnivals, circuses, or their affiliated service providers (like food vendors) that travel seasonally for state, county, local fairs, festivals, or non-profit fundraising events. Section 2 also notes that spouses and children of P1, P2, P3, and these new P4 visa holders could get visas to accompany them.

The Balancing Act: Keeping Fairs Running vs. Protecting Jobs

A key feature of this proposed P4 visa is the requirement for Department of Labor (DOL) certification before it can be issued. According to Section 2, employers must demonstrate to the DOL that there aren't enough available U.S. workers who are qualified and willing to do the job. Crucially, they must also show that hiring foreign workers under this visa "will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of workers in the United States similarly employed." This certification acts as a safeguard intended to prevent displacement or undercutting of domestic workers. The goal is to help carnivals and fairs find necessary seasonal staff while protecting the local labor market, though the real-world effectiveness will hinge on how rigorously this DOL check is implemented.

Setting Up the System: What Happens Next?

The RIDE Act doesn't instantly create this visa program. Section 4 directs the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Labor to develop the specific rules for how the P4 visa will work. They are required to publish proposed rules within 180 days of the Act becoming law and finalize those rules within one year. This means the practical details – application processes, specific documentation requirements, and the exact procedures for the DOL certification – are still to be determined through this future rulemaking process.