To help US businesses, 35,000 foreign workers to be taken in

Robert Besser
23 May 2022, 06:27 GMT+10

Due to the inability of businesses to hire enough workers, the U.S. has announced that it will grant employers 35,000 visas for seasonal guest workers
Despite concerns over potential economic issues, the issuing of the H-2B visas is due to record job growth and a U.S. labor shortage
After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have been bracing for summer travelers and rising consumer demand, leading some to worry about potentially long lines and other issues

WASHINGTON D.C.: Due to the inability of businesses to hire enough workers, the U.S. has announced that it will grant employers 35,000 visas for seasonal guest workers, with jobs starting between 1st April and 30th September.

Despite concerns over potential economic issues, the issuing of the H-2B visas, used to employ landscapers, housekeepers, hotel employees and construction workers, among others, is due to record job growth and a U.S. labor shortage.

After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have been bracing for summer travelers and rising consumer demand, leading some to worry about potentially long lines and other issues.

The Homeland Security and Labor departments said some U.S. employers face "irreparable harm" if they cannot get additional workers, adding that it aims to "provide temporary portability flexibility."

In January, due to a shortage of workers in temporary and non-agricultural jobs, officials had granted an additional 20,000 visas for workers.

As they grapple with high inflation, rising gas prices and other issues two years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, U.S. policy makers have focused on getting more Americans to enter the workforce.

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