The Trump administration announced the addition of 65,000 H-2B seasonal guest worker visas through September 30, aiming to assist U.S. employers facing severe labor shortages.
The temporary boost roughly doubles the annual 66,000 H-2B visas available to industries such as construction, hospitality, landscaping, and seafood processing.
The Federal Register notice stated that the visas are intended for businesses at risk of financial hardship due to a lack of available domestic workers.
The move comes amid ongoing complaints from seasonal employers struggling to fill positions, especially in hotels and construction companies.
The administration emphasized that the additional visas will be available under a temporary rule, which will be formally published in the Federal Register.
Critics of the program argue that increasing H-2B visas could affect wages for U.S. workers, while proponents highlight the necessity for industries heavily reliant on seasonal labor.
This visa expansion follows previous increases under both the Trump and Biden administrations, reflecting ongoing concerns about seasonal workforce shortages.
The H-2B program provides foreign workers with short-term, non-agricultural employment in the United States, helping maintain key services and operations across multiple sectors.