PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • April 1, 2022
Department of Homeland Security this week released 35,000 more H-2B visas, work documents that allow people to work in the United States temporarily. Maine hotels and restaurants, especially in busy coastal communities, rely on those workers to supplement the local workforce. Demand for H-2B visas has been intense in recent years amid a fiercely competitive labor market. “The release of these additional visas come at an important time, with Maine’s hospitality businesses preparing for the start of the busy summer season,” said Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins. “Although these additional visas will help provide relief to many Maine small businesses, there is still an overwhelming need given the current tight labor market and record low unemployment.”