Shaheen Responds to DHS Announcement on Increase in Temporary Work Visas that Support NH Small Businesses

**Admin’s Rule Follows Shaheen’s Bipartisan Letter with Senators Collins (R-ME) and King (I-ME) Calling for an Increase in H-2B Visas to Provide Relief to NH Small Businesses**

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) announcement that they’ll provide an additional 30,000 H-2B visas, which help Granite State small businesses fill seasonal job openings in the current tight labor market. The administration’s decision comes less than one month after Shaheen sent a bipartisan letter with Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), urging DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen to increase the number of H-2B visas. 

“I’m glad the administration heeded my warning about the real threats to Granite State seasonal businesses who could face a serious shortfall in their workforce unless more visas are made available,” said Shaheen. “I urge the Department of Homeland Security to move swiftly so New Hampshire small businesses can apply as quickly as possible, as our peak tourist season draws near.” 

Last year, Senator Shaheen visited Hart’s Turkey Farm in Meredith to discuss the importance of temporary visas and the role they play in New Hampshire’s tourism sector.