H-2B action needed during Congressional recess (August 2017) Email
Wednesday, August 09, 2017 02:00 AM

 

H-2B update

Congress is on recess through Labor Day. Please use this month to reach out to your lawmakers while they are home from Washington. Consider attending a town hall meeting or making an appointment to see your Senators and Representative in their in-state offices.  Please continue to stress the need for permanent H-2B cap relief.

As you know, Homeland Security Secretary Kelly announced on July 19 a final rule that increased the fiscal 2017 H-2B cap by 15,000 visas. In announcing the rule, the Secretary stressed that this action is a one-time cap increase that will expire on Sept. 30, 2017. WE NEED CONGRESS TO PASS H-2B CAP RELIEF FOR FISCAL 2018 AND BEYOND.

For our efforts to be successful, we need everyone to continue to engage their lawmakers by doing the following:

  • Call your Senators and Representative them to cosponsor legislation to fix the H-2B program.
    • Ask your Senators to cosponsor S. 792, the Save Our Small And Seasonal Businesses Act Of 2017.
    • Ask your Representative to cosponsor H.R. 2004, the Strengthen Employment And Seasonal Opportunities Now (SEASON) Act. 
    • If you do not know their direct numbers, you can reach them through the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 225-3121. Once connected to the office, ask to speak to the person who handles H-2B issues.
  • Encourage your employees, co-workers, customers, and suppliers to also call their Senators and Representatives.
  • Set up meetings locally with your Senators and Representative. 
  • Email your Senators and Representative.  
  • Tweet at your Senators and Representative using #SaveH2B.

Updated talking points are available for use in meetings with lawmakers.

We will not give up on the fight for H-2B cap and other relief. We appreciate you joining us in this fight by continuing to regularly connect with your elected officials.