SEA's Objective
Improve Labor Market Test
SEA is working to improve awareness of H-2B jobs to American workers.
Then Eliminate the Cap
A robust labor market test eliminates the need for a cap on the H-2B program.
Then Institute e-verify
If H-2B is uncapped, every employer in an H-2B occupation should be required to participate in E-Verify.
Online Advertising Campaign
Newspaper Advertising Campaign
EMPLOYERS SPEAK OUT ON LABOR SHORTAGE
Tara Foreman, Owner of Captain Charlie’s Seafood Inc, Engelhard, North Carolina
NC’s largest crab processor, representing approximately 25% of the total # of crabs caught in NC, will be down 40% in production and the local fishermen who depend on Captain Charlie’s to buy their crabs, will be impacted.
Marty Grunder, Owner of Grunder Landscaping Co, Dayton, Ohio
Without H-2B workers, this small seasonal business will see a 30% revenue decline, potential layoffs of several of its 35 full-time, year-round American workers and 7 trucks are parked for the season.
Peter Foster, Owner of Stage Neck Inn in York, Maine
Without H-2B workers this year, this small family run hotel will have to reduce room inventory, reduce the inn’s restaurant’s hours and overwork his 60 full-time, year-round American workers.
Matt McDonagh, Owner of Big Rock Amusements, Frankenmuth, Michigan
Without H-2B workers, will be forced to close down Big Rock Amusements and lay off his 20 American workers.
Nick Brummel, Owner of Brummel Lawn & Landscape, Blue Springs, Missouri
Small owner-operated business was denied access to the program this year due to the insufficient number of H-2B visas. Impact = revenue decrease of 20-30%; decrease in supply and equipment purchases; American workers overworked.
Colon and Alice Grandy, Owner of Grandy’s Farm Market, Grandy, North Carolina
Colon and Alice Grandy established their farm stand on the Outer Banks of NC 40 years ago but this year their business will not open because they don’t have H-2B Workers.
H-2B support tracker
SEA is moving the needle
Testimonials
Aubrey Vincent
Sales Manager, Lindy's Seafood
"I joined SEA because I knew we needed to be proactive in fixing the H2B Program. The industry’s advocacy efforts had stagnated. SEA was the loudest voice I heard trying to reach a long term solution, resulting in more progress in the past year than I've seen in the whole 20 years our company has been in the program. I believe SEA's approach of collaboration, effective communication, and thinking outside the box is the path forward for H-2B program advocacy and is the organization companies who depend on the H-2B program should belong to. "
Ferris MyCue
Owner, Grass Works Lawn Care
Austin, TX
"After dealing with the unreliability of the H-2B program, I knew that I needed to play my part to fix the program. I saw how active SEA was and decided to join. Since joining SEA, I have become much more effective in my advocacy efforts and am confident that we will finally fix this program. I encourage every employer to join and do their part to obtain cap relief. You can’t sit on the sidelines and expect good results!"
Lesli Downs
President, Southern Impact
"Since the founding of SEA, SEA has made unmatched strides towards H2B cap relief. We are closer than ever before to a permanent cap increase because of SEA’s efforts and the relationships SEA has formed with H2B employers and legislators. As an agent, it is helpful to be a member of an organization with other agents and active employers. The information the members provide and the resources I have access to ensure I am on top of all aspects of the ever shifting H-2B program. This helps me provide the best possible service to my clients."
Scott Muelhauser
Owner, Scott’s Power Equipment
St. Louis, MO
“I saw the direct impact of the H-2B visa cap on my customers. My customers who were capped out could not afford new equipment. The H-2B cap has cost my business over $2mm in sales. The H-2B visa cap doesn’t only affect the end user and its American workers but also equipment dealers like Scott’s Power but suppliers and even equipment manufacturers. This is why I chose to get involved and join SEA. SEA is the most active organization advocating for a permanent H-2B cap fix. I urge every outdoor equipment dealer to support SEA and to do their part to obtain an H-2B cap fix."
Timeline of legislative efforts
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Member Agents/Attorneys
EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER AND SUPPLIER MEMBERS
