Friday, August 07, 2009
Release of Additional H-2B Visas for Temporary Workers a Relief to Maryland Crab Industry
The Department of Homeland Security will release 25,00 additional fiscal-year 2009 H-2B visas for temporary workers, a relief for Maryland’s crab industry and Eastern Shore crab-packing houses, which will be able to hire part-time seasonal workers that are essential to their operations.
Congressman Frank Kratovil and Senator Barbara Mikulski worked to have the visas released.
“Maryland’s crab industries need a government on their side,” Mikulski said. “When they told me they didn’t have the workforce they needed this season, I was proud to fight for them. I am pleased the Department of Homeland Security responded to my requests, and released these additional visas. [The] announcement is good news for Maryland’s watermen, Maryland’s crab industry, and Maryland’s economy.”
Federal immigration laws cap the H-2B program at 66,000 visas per year, and many crab processing facilities in Maryland have had their H-2B applications denied as a result. The additional visas will help the Maryland crab industry, which has been dealing with a severe labor shortage this season, as well as boost local economies.
“This decision is great news for the Eastern Shore communities that have been hurting because of the closed picking houses. These additional visas will allow Maryland’s crab processors to open and remain viable throughout the rest of this season,” Kratovil said. “Today’s announcement is good news for the watermen, picking house owners and employees, truck drivers, restaurant owners, community bankers, and everyone else whose livelihood is impacted by the crabbing industry.”
