The H-2B Workforce Coalition, of which NRCA is a member, is conducting a study to assess the local economic effects of the H-2B seasonal visa program. The study intends to supplement its analysis of publicly available data with real world data from H-2B users collected through a survey. The H-2B Workforce Coalition will use the final report to support advocacy efforts urging Congress and the Trump administration to expand the number of H-2B visas available annually and help contractors address peak workforce needs.
Employers who use the H-2B program are urged to complete the survey by Aug. 29 to share positive effects on businesses and local economies. The survey data is completely anonymous and will be critical in demonstrating the economic benefit of this vital workforce program.
The draft study found local areas where increased numbers of H-2B visas were used in recent years were characterized by greater employment growth than other labor market areas. Also, the draft study found no empirical evidence indicating increases in H-2B visas had a negative effect on employment and wages for U.S. workers. The employer survey data will be used to reinforce the positive results of this study.
