Washington, D.C. – July 17, 2017 – The H-2B Workforce Coalition, an alliance of more than 40 various industry associations focused on protecting American workers by ensuring American small and seasonal employers have access to legal short-term temporary employees during peak business periods, issued the following statement on the Department of Homeland Security announcement to expand up to 15,000 additional H-2B temporary, seasonal guest worker visas available this fiscal year due to irreparable harm of the inability to employ American workers.

“The H-2B Workforce Coalition is grateful for the minimal relief granted by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor. Though we fear this gesture may be too little too late for thousands of small businesses that rely on legal, highly vetted seasonal guest workers to meet their peak season needs, the additional visas may help save some small businesses this year. From landscapers in Colorado to innkeepers in Maine to seafood processors along the gulf coast to carnivals nationwide, we hope the visa expansion will help some businesses avoid substantial financial loss, and in some cases, prevent early business closures during their peak season. We will carefully review the details of the rule and communicate best next steps to our members to ensure they have the information necessary to quickly get approved seasonal workers to the U.S. to support full-time, domestic staff to operate at full capacity.”