The United States will issue 65,000 additional H-2B seasonal work visas through September 30. The decision was announced in a Federal Register notice. The move aims to support employers facing serious labor shortages.
The extra visas will be available to businesses at risk of financial harm. Officials said many employers cannot find enough US workers. The expansion mainly targets seasonal industries.
With the increase, the total number of H-2B work visas will rise sharply. Normally, around 66,000 such visas are issued each year. The new measure nearly doubles that figure for this period.
Industries expected to benefit include construction, hospitality, landscaping, and seafood processing. Hotels and resorts are also likely to gain access to more workers. Many of these sectors rely heavily on seasonal labor.
President Donald Trump’s administration approved the expansion. Trump returned to office in 2025 and introduced tougher immigration policies. He has focused on strict enforcement and border control.
Since taking office again, Trump has launched a broad immigration crackdown. His administration has targeted both illegal and legal immigration. Travel restrictions and reviews of refugee cases were also introduced.
Despite this tough stance, the government acknowledged labor shortages. Officials said seasonal businesses face real challenges. Without workers, many companies risk major losses.
The number of H-2B work visas has been expanded before. Similar steps were taken under former president Joe Biden. Trump also approved increases during his earlier term from 2017 to 2021.
Employers have long pushed for more seasonal visas. Hotel groups and construction firms have raised concerns. Some businesses said projects were delayed due to worker shortages.
However, the policy has drawn criticism. Groups that support lower immigration levels oppose the visas. They argue foreign workers can reduce wages for US employees.
At the same time, Trump has tightened rules for other visa programs. Tech companies now face higher costs under the H-1B visa system. A new $100,000 fee has triggered legal challenges.
The temporary rule allowing the extra visas will be published Tuesday. It will appear in the Federal Register. Employers will then be able to apply for the added visas.
In other news read more about Nationwide Protests Erupt Across the US Over Immigration Raids in Minnesota
The move highlights a balance between strict immigration control and economic needs. Businesses will now watch closely how the new policy unfolds.
