3 in House press for more visas
Temps in short supply, they say
WASHINGTON - Three House members pleaded yesterday for more visas for seasonal workers they said are needed immediately by seafood processors, resorts, and other businesses in their districts.
Some of those operations could close or lose money this spring and summer because there are not enough visas, known as H-2B visas, for the temporary nonagricultural workers they need, the lawmakers told the House Judiciary immigration subcommittee.
"Not having H-2B workers will significantly affect the businesses within my district and their ability to keep a professional, trained, and dependable workforce," said Representative Bart Stupak, Democrat of Michigan.
He was joined by representatives Tim Bishop, Democrat of New York, and Wayne Gilchrest, a Maryland Republican.
Prospects for relief are uncertain. Attempts to increase the number of H2B visas are trapped in the debate over immigration.
House negotiations on the issue and a pending immigration enforcement bill broke down before the Easter recess. Supporters of a more sweeping immigration bill oppose the piecemeal approach, while opponents of guest worker programs argue it would hurt US workers.
Passing any bill raising foreign workers' numbers also is a prickly undertaking in an election year.
The hearing occurred on the same day Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers raided Pilgrims Pride poultry plants and Shipley Do-Nuts in Houston in search of undocumented workers.
"This issue is collapsing on us," said Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a Texas Democrat. "This is one of the most difficult times to move [on the businesses] because we are in a fragile economic state."
Representative Zoe Lofgren, Democrat of California, said Congress has not shied away from fortifying US borders, including providing $3 billion last year.
"This Congress has acted quite a bit on border security and interior immigration enforcement, but has not yet acted much in the area of addressing immigration policy fixes," she said.
John Conyers suggested policy fixes may have to come piecemeal. "I am thrilled that some people are still talking about comprehensive reform," said the Michigan Democrat. "If I can figure out how that is going to happen . . . I will be a developed and dedicated student to whomever is still arguing that." 