Russian invasion causing uncertainty around availability of J1 workers this summer
MARYLAND – If there’s anything businesses thrive on, it’s certainty.
Weighed Down With What If’s
But with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is leaving some in the business community with a lot of what if’s. “We’re hearing kind of a mixed signals. I guess some folks are saying the [J1] kids are trying to get out earlier, and some folks are saying the kids can’t get out at all,” said Director of Tourism and Business Development for Ocean City Tom Perlozzo.
While the application deadline for those workers has passed, and many have plans to come to the US in place, the conflict could prevent them from being able to get onto American soil in time for the tourism season. Plus, there hasn’t been any guidance from the Department on State just yet.
Perlozzo says Ocean City has been working with colleges and universities overseas to try and figure this situation out. “I think what Russia is doing is certainly crippling the transportation end of things. The border crossings into Poland and some of the other areas, is going to create a lot of uncertainty on if those kids will be able to get out,” said Perlozzo.
Impact Could Stretch Inland
Meanwhile, President of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Bill Chambers says this isn’t just a problem for businesses on the beach. “It’s not just the resort areas that will take a hit if we see a decline in J1 numbers. It’s going to be the hotel in Salisbury, the restaurant in Cambridge,” he said.
And on top of the existing worker shortage on American soil, Chambers says time is running out. “It’s March, and a lot of these J1 workers traditionally began working in April and May. So, we’re literally within weeks of when these young folks will be coming to the Shore,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Chambers predicts the next two weeks are going to be crucial for business owners, in terms of knowing whether or not they will get those those J1 workers. “We have to wait and see what happens with this incursion of Ukraine by Russia,” he said. “The war will impact us in some way. We don’t know what the J1 workers’ availability will be. This is only going to compound the business challenges that are already facing our resort businesses for this summer.”
47 ABC spoke on the phone with a spokesperson from ASSE International Aspire Worldwide. The program works to get J1 visa holders seasonal employment in the United States. They say the biggest concern for them right now, is how workers from countries surrounding Ukraine and Russia might be affected.
