FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 24, 2024
Contact:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator George Helmy (D-NJ) today co-signed a bipartisan letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Department of Labor (DOL) Acting Secretary Julie Su, requesting the release of supplemental H-2B visas. Senator Helmy joined a bipartisan coalition of 40 Senators in asking for the DHS and DOL to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for FY2025 to support seasonal businesses in their respective states who are struggling to hire a sufficient number of temporary, seasonal laborers to support their operations. The widespread bipartisan support for additional H-2B visas demonstrates the vital role that foreign workers play in strengthening our economy and contributing to our communities.
“The H-2B visa program is vital to New Jersey communities, helping business owners up and down the shore meet seasonal demands and grow the economy. It is no exaggeration to say that without access to foreign workers through the H-2B visa program, many businesses in the Garden State and across the country would face great hardships,” said Senator Helmy. “I am hopeful Congress will be able to work with the administration to once again release additional visas for FY2025 and help sustain the strong economic growth we’ve seen over the past few years.”
The H-2B program allows certain U.S. employers and agents to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary nonagricultural jobs, while also placing requirements on U.S. worker recruitment for these positions.
Seasonal businesses nationwide are struggling to maintain their workforce. Businesses in New Jersey, particularly along the shore, make frequent use of H-2B visas to meet seasonal demand for workers.
To view the full letter, click here.