The Department of Homeland Security announced on Monday, July 17, 2017, that it would allow fifteen thousand (15,000) more seasonal workers into the country. Generally, seasonal workers enter the country with H-2B visas which are capped at sixty-six thousand (66,000) each fiscal year. Incidentally, Texas had the highest number of H-2B jobs certified by the Department of Labor in 2015
The H-2B visa allows employers such as large farms, wineries, fisheries, and other seasonal hotels or hospitality business, to hire workers for a temporary period of time during either a peak in their business, a seasonal jump in their business, or if the business has an intermittent need for more workers.
Under the new directive issued by the Department of Homeland Security, the employers listed above can now apply for additional visas if they can show that their business will suffer “irreparable harm” if they do not have the foreign workers under the H-2B program. The increase in the H-2B visa allotment is effective through September 30, 2017.
Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Premium processing or expedited processing by USCIS is still available for the H-2B program for an additional cost to the employer.
DHS has also created a new H-2B tip line for individuals to gain information on potential abuse by employers and the exploitation of workers.
