In a significant move to address ongoing labor shortages, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, spearheaded by Angus King (I-Maine) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), have urged the Department of Labor (DOL) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release the maximum number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. The H-2B visa program is a lifeline for American small businesses, providing them with access to temporary, seasonal workers when local labor is insufficient. The senators’ plea highlights the critical role these visas play in supporting local economies, especially in states like Maine where seasonal employee shortages persist.
The letter, signed by over 30 senators from both parties, reflects the growing recognition of the H-2B program’s importance in ensuring the continued success of industries reliant on seasonal labor. These industries, such as hospitality, landscaping, and seafood processing, often struggle to meet demand during peak seasons due to a lack of available domestic workers. The senators argue that the H-2B program provides a solution to this problem, allowing businesses to access qualified, government-vetted workers while ensuring that American workers are prioritized.
The senators point to the recent data from the Department of Labor’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys (JOLTS), which demonstrates a consistent year-over-year increase in job openings for industries that heavily rely on H-2B workers. They emphasize that the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024 – nearly three weeks earlier than in the previous fiscal year. This early cap presents a significant obstacle for businesses with peak seasons in the late fall and winter, preventing them from accessing the temporary workers they need to operate successfully.
Senators King and Rounds have been vocal advocates for the H-2B visa program, recognizing its importance in supporting small businesses and ensuring their competitiveness. In 2022, their efforts led to the release of the maximum number of H-2B visas, marking a significant step towards addressing the needs of businesses reliant on this program. The senators have also been critical of delays in processing labor certifications for H-2B visa applications, highlighting the need for streamlining the process to ensure that businesses can access the necessary labor in a timely manner.
The bipartisan support for the H-2B program is evident in the wide range of senators who have joined this call for action. Signatories include Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and many others. Their collective voice underscores the importance of policies that support workforce development and economic stability in communities reliant on seasonal employment.
The senators’ call to release the maximum number of additional H-2B visas for FY 2025 represents a critical step towards ensuring that American small businesses have the tools they need to succeed. By addressing labor shortages, the program contributes to the economic well-being of communities across the country, supporting businesses, workers, and local economies.