Thune: Don't Jeopardize South Dakota Tourism Industry by Halting Important Work Visas

Press Release

U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Jeh Johnson and U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Thomas Perez calling on the agencies to reach an immediate agreement on issuing important seasonal employment work visas (H-2B) critical to the South Dakota tourism and construction industries. The loss of these employees would have a significant impact on South Dakota's economy. Last week, DOL began halting all H-2B labor visas after a federal judge ruled the agency was stepping outside its statutory authority.

"Bureaucratic red tape at the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security is jeopardizing South Dakota's tourism and construction industries," said Thune. "I've heard from several businesses across the state concerned that this standstill in H-2B visas could threaten their ability to fill important seasonal positions ahead of the upcoming tourist season. These agencies have the ability to fix this visa issue before it becomes a problem for industries across the nation, and the time to act is now. I'll continue to stay in close contact with the DOL and DHS and remain committed to working with South Dakota businesses to get this problem resolved."

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