Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.
A press release issued by the office of Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) states that Senator Mikulski, along with Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) and Congressman Frank M. Kratovil, Jr. (D-Md.), sent a letter to the Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland Security urging them to “use all means necessary” to protect small businesses throughout the country so they can keep their doors open this year. The reason for their concern is that, as of January 8, 2009, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had already received enough applications to exceed the cap for H2B visas for the second half of fiscal year 2009.
Senator Mikulski said,
Companies in Maryland and around the country are unable to get the H2B visas, and workers, that they need and depend on because of bureaucratic slowdowns. Small and seasonal businesses are counting on us. We need this problem resolved quickly so we can reward people who are playing by the rules, instead of letting them down.