Federal government approves 35,000 H-2B visas for upcoming summer season

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security announced plans to release 35,000 additional H-2B visas for the Fiscal Year 2020 summer season.

Congressman Andy Harris sent a letter signed by 151 members of the House and 38 Senators, urging Acting Secretary Wolf to release the additional H-2B visas as quickly as possible to meet seasonal labor demands.

“I applaud the Department of Homeland Security for approving the release of 35,000 supplemental H-2B visas in time for the upcoming summer season.  This is 5,000 more supplemental visas than had been approved last year.  The record low unemployment rate under the Trump Administration and oversubscription to the H-2B visa program is a debilitating issue for the economy of Maryland’s First Congressional District and the country. I commend President Trump and Acting Secretary Wolf for providing these extras visas – and I remain committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to pass a permanent solution to the chronic H-2B visa shortage across this country – something that only Congress can do,” said Harris in a statement.