Keating Urges Expedited Resolution of H-2B VIsa Suspension

Statement

In response to the court order entered in Perez v. Perez on March 4, 2015, which held that the Department of Labor (DOL) did not have the authority to adjudicate H-2B petitions, DOL and the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stopped processing H-2B visa petitions. Rep. Bill Keating sent a letter to USCIS and the DOL urging for an expedited resolution and to prioritize pending applications once processing resumes.

"The H-2B visa program provides a critical labor resource for small business owners throughout coastal communities, and, in particular, on the Cape and Islands," said Rep. Keating on Wednesday. "Many of these businesses have relied on the same trusted workers year after year to meet the demands of seasonal tourism. As you know, the federal agencies responsible for processing and approving these applications have suspended their activity following a recent court decision. I fully understand and appreciate the hardship that would be caused by such a delay. After the many challenges posed by this winter, it is our role to ensure that these businesses are able to open on time and thrive."

Source