Peters Statement on Supplemental H-2B Temporary Worker Visas

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the announcement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Labor (DOL) to raise the cap for H-2B temporary worker visas for 2022:

“I support today’s announcement to make an additional 35,000 H-2B temporary worker visas available to companies in line with U.S. labor laws, which will help Michigan businesses – particularly businesses that support our seasonal tourism industry – meet their labor needs for their peak summer season. I urged the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor to provide this critical short-term assistance to Michigan businesses while we continue to work with the Administration and the labor community to reform this program, provide long-term certainty, and prioritize American workers.

“As Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, I am intent on ensuring that these temporary visas are used appropriately, that they do not disrupt the local workforce, and that temporary workers are not subjected to exploitative labor practices. I look forward to continuing to work with Michigan’s labor and business leaders and the Administration to continue strengthening protections for Michigan workers and ensure that Michigan businesses have the support they need to succeed.” 

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) announced plans to raise the annual cap on H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas to make an additional 35,000 visas available to meet labor needs through September 30, 2022. These supplemental visas will provide temporary assistance for many of Michigan’s seasonal businesses to hire additional temporary personnel to supplement their operations during peak times. As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Peters has worked with DHS and the labor community to find temporary solutions to help Michigan’s seasonal industries meet with staffing needs, while continuing to identify long-term solutions to reform the H-2B program and protect American workers.

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