Trump adds 65,000 H-2B seasonal worker visas

WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – :The Trump administration announced plans to make an additional 65,000 H-2B seasonal worker visas available through September 30, according to a notice in the Federal Register. The visas are aimed at employers facing severe financial hardship due to labor shortages in industries such as construction, hospitality, landscaping, and seafood processing.

The move nearly doubles the annual cap of 66,000 H-2B visas, which are traditionally used to fill temporary or seasonal positions when U.S. workers are unavailable. Employers in affected industries have long sought additional visas, citing labor shortages during periods of strict immigration enforcement.

Trump, a Republican, returned to the White House in 2025 and pursued a broad immigration crackdown, portraying undocumented immigrants as a burden on communities. His administration also imposed stricter measures on legal immigration, including travel bans and tighter reviews of refugee and asylum claims.

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H-2B visa expansions have occurred under both Trump and former President Joe Biden during their respective administrations. Supporters of the additional visas argue they are necessary to prevent disruptions in seasonal businesses, while opponents caution that increasing the visa supply could depress wages for U.S. workers.

Trump has also targeted the H-1B visa program for skilled foreign workers, introducing a $100,000 fee that has prompted legal challenges from tech companies.

A temporary rule implementing the extra H-2B visas is expected to be formally published in the Federal Register on Tuesday.