The Department of Homeland Security on Monday announced that more H-2B visas will be issued. The Department, however, has included a new requirement of businesses as part of the application process.
Employers must meet a new standard in order to receive the visas by proving they will suffer “irreparable harm” if they cannot hire the temporary workers.
9th District Congressman Bill Keating says he is hopefull the additional visas will bring some relief to employers on the Cape and Islands but adds Monday’s announcement by the Department of Homeland Security fundamentally fails to address the underlying problem – there simply aren’t enough visas for businesses who truly depend on the program each year.
Businesses will be able to hire up to 15,000 temporary workers through the program.