Biden Government announces that it will grant 65,000 work visas

• Biden to Issue 64,716 Additional Visas
• Key Seasonal Sectors Prioritized
• Includes 20,000 Visas for Central America

President Joe Biden’s administration announced the issuance of 64,716 additional temporary non-agricultural work visas for the remainder of the 2025 fiscal year.

The announcement was made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in coordination with the Department of Labor.

This measure aims to address concerns about a potential labor shortage in key sectors of the U.S. economy.

The new supplemental visas add to the 66,000 H-2B visas made available annually, as established by Congress.

Biden Administration Announces Work Visas for 2025

This brings the total to over 130,700 approved visas for temporary workers in the 2025 fiscal year.

«By maximizing the use of the H-2B visa program, the Department of Homeland Security is helping ensure the labor needs of American businesses are met while keeping prices low for consumers,» said DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in a statement.

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«At the same time, we are strengthening worker protections and deterring irregular migration to the United States.»

«The Department of Homeland Security remains committed to continuing to grow the robust economy of our nation,» Mayorkas added.

This figure matches the maximum allowed by Congress and is equivalent to the number of visas issued in 2024, according to Univision.

Of the new visas, 20,000 will be allocated to citizens of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.

The remaining 44,716 visas will be assigned to workers who held H-2B status in the past three fiscal years.

The DHS explained that the visas will be distributed between the first and second halves of the fiscal year.

Hispanics Benefiting?

This measure addresses the demand for temporary workers in sectors facing seasonal peaks, such as summer.

A portion of these visas will also be reserved to meet specific high-season needs.

Benefiting sectors include hospitality, tourism, landscaping, seafood processing, and seasonal labor.

The announcement comes amid immigration uncertainty following promises by President-elect Donald Trump.

Trump has pledged mass deportations, which could impact the U.S. workforce.

Business leaders have voiced concerns over a potential worker deficit in key sectors.

Meanwhile, immigrant advocates view these visas as recognition of the vital contributions of migrants.

Opposition groups, however, criticize the expansion of temporary visas, arguing it affects local workers.

Are the Work Visas Part of a Plan to Reduce Migration in 2025?

The DHS emphasized that the regulation will ensure an equitable distribution of work visas throughout the 2025 fiscal year.

This aims to prevent disruptions in sectors reliant on temporary labor.

The inclusion of countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras is also part of a strategy to address irregular migration.

The Biden administration seeks to provide legal alternatives to reduce dangerous migration toward the southern border.

In contrast, Trump’s administration has promised stricter policies to curb migration in all forms.

U.S. employers have praised Joe Biden’s additional visas measure, highlighting its importance in maintaining economic competitiveness.

In sectors like hospitality and tourism, worker shortages could result in millions in losses.

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