A delegation of Colorado lawmakers is urging Congressional leaders to provide additional H-2B visas for seasonal workers in year-end appropriations packages or budget resolutions.
H-2B program allows U.S. employers to bring aliens to the United States to fill temporary nonagricultural jobs.
“Colorado is home to thousands of seasonal businesses and workers across a wide range of industries including landscaping, hospitality, ski resorts, amusement parks, forestry, golf courses, and more. With Colorado’s statewide unemployment below 3 percent, businesses in our state are facing serious hiring challenges. The H-2B program is critical for filling such workforce gaps across all four corners of Colorado,” the delegation wrote in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Speaker of the House Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-TX).
The letter was signed by U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Michael Bennett and Reps. Jason Crow (D-CO), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Scott Tipton (R-CO), Ken Buck (R-CO), and Doug Lamborn (R-CO).
The lawmakers point out that House Appropriations Committee passed an amendment that would require the Department of Homeland Security to release up to an additional 69,320 visas if they determine that the needs of seasonal businesses cannot be met with American workers. They voiced their strong support for this provision.
“We also strongly support provisions in Senate Appropriations Committee FY2020 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill that would continue the existing H-2B regulatory measures that have been in place for the past several years. If these provisions were eliminated, it would cause program confusion and result in potential processing delays caused by the need for the Departments to develop new forms and guidance,” they wrote. “As Congress considers appropriations legislation, H-2B cap relief must remain a part of the discussions and we urge inclusion of these provisions.”