Whatever one’s view on the topic of immigration, there is a strong case to be made for a functional non-immigrant seasonal worker policy.
It is difficult to entice Americans to forego year-round employment to embrace a seasonal job, especially in times of high employment. That is why the H-2B visa program is experiencing its highest demand ever — more than 120,000 applications in 2018 for 66,000 available visas. This program is a non-immigrant visa that supports seasonal businesses. The recipients of the visa have no path to permanent residency nor citizenship. They are not eligible for welfare. They pay all applicable taxes, and the numbers of visas available are extremely low, comprising only .
The objections to a reasonable seasonal worker policy come from two primary camps: worker’s rights advocates, and eugenics/population reduction advocates, who present themselves as “non-partisan” think tanks. (The Center for Immigration Studies, the Federation for American Immigration Reform, and NumbersUSA.) present themselves as conservative groups and appear to wield undue influence on many Americans — most of whom, if they knew their underlying philosophies, would flatly reject their policy positions.
Regardless of the misguided and deceptive arguments of these vocal extremist groups, thoughtful policy requires us to address valid concerns.
- Most businesses would gladly hire more American workers if they were available, because it is difficult and costly to function in two languages and the cost of the seasonal visa program is significant.
- If businesses would “just pay more,”(enough to entice hard-working Americans to leave a full-time job and accept a seasonal job) they would price themselves out of the market.
- Reliable studies show a net positive long-term effect on American’s wages, although there may be short-term downward pressure, particularly on first generation immigrant workers.
- Most businesses mechanize as much as possible. Machines are easier to manage than labor and never show up with a hangover or get sick. However, much work must still be done by humans.
- There is no real societal cost to having these workers in our community. They are not eligible for government aid. Although they may occasionally require health care, which if provided on a sliding scale has some cost to society, most of these workers are young and healthy, so this cost is minimal. They pay all taxes including Social Security. They purchase goods and services, rent apartments, and contribute to economic growth. They are eligible to obtain a driver’s license and carry insurance on their vehicles.
In a lengthy and highly critical paper written by David Seminara of the Center for Immigration Studies — one of the most outspoken opponents of the H-2B program — , “… if the H-2B program were abolished, some businesses would struggle to compete, and some might go out of business.” He goes on to criticize the program because it is “rife with abuse.” It is intellectually dishonest to conflate abusers of a program with the program itself. There are mechanisms to deal with abuse. Most visa-user companies are exceedingly honest, or they would simply hire workers here illegally. An even-handed look at the program shows that it is a net benefit to America to have a functional non-immigrant seasonal worker policy.
Workers authorized through seasonal visas provide significant benefits to the local economy, support multiple American workers, and fill a very real gap for seasonal businesses. They have no net negative impact on wages or employment. The great majority of companies that use the program follow the rules and treat their employees well.
The H-2B program is good for America and should be made more usable and reliable. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen should immediately release all of the additional visas authorized by Congress. It is vital for many seasonal businesses right here in Colorado.
Mike Leman is president of family owned Singing Hills Landscape in Aurora that began operating in 1995.
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