Over 64,000 Additional Non-Agricultural Work Visas Approved to Address Labor Shortages

The U.S. has announced an increase of 64,716 additional H-2B visas for the fiscal year 2025, aiming to alleviate labor shortages in key industries such as tourism, hospitality, landscaping, and seafood processing.

These new visas supplement the 66,000 annual H-2B visas allocated by Congress.

This expansion, the maximum allowed by law, addresses the significant gap between labor demand and the availability of skilled local workers in these sectors. Of the additional visas, 20,000 are reserved for nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, while 44,716 are allocated for returning workers who participated in the program during the last three fiscal years. This strategic distribution also ensures coverage during peak seasons, such as summer, when demand for labor is highest.

The H-2B program, vital for businesses requiring temporary workers, mandates that employers prove a lack of available U.S. workers before hiring internationally. It also includes safeguards to protect workers from exploitation and ensure fair labor conditions.

With this increase, the U.S. aims to meet the workforce needs of critical economic sectors, reduce costs for consumers, and encourage orderly and regular migration. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized that the initiative “strengthens the economy, protects workers, and supports the stability of American businesses.”

Details about the program expansion and eligibility requirements for employers and workers will soon be available on official platforms, signaling a significant step toward economic stability and labor planning for 2025.

Staff | November 22, 2024 | ChulaVistaToday

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