SHRM Members Share Workforce Realities at DHS H-2B Roundtable

In September, SHRM Members had the opportunity to represent the HR profession during the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS') stakeholder roundtable on the H-2B visa program. The discussion, which included remarks from SHRM Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs Emily M. Dickens, J.D., provided a platform to share HR perspectives on how the H-2B program supports business continuity, supplements and protects U.S. workers, and strengthens the economy.

The H-2B program plays a vital role in supplementing, not replacing, the U.S. workforce. Employers across industries including hospitality, landscaping, construction, and manufacturing rely on temporary visa holders to meet peak-season labor needs when qualified domestic workers are not available. This workforce continuity helps safeguard year-round jobs for U.S. employees, prevents service disruptions, and sustains local economies. Without access to H-2B workers, many organizations face reduced production capacity, lost revenue, and — in some cases — closure.

During the roundtable, SHRM Members reinforced the need for an immigration system that is efficient, secure, predictable, and aligned with labor market realities. Our recommendations to the DHS include streamlining processing for returning workers, adjusting visa caps to better reflect demand, and simplifying administrative requirements to lower costs for employers. These reforms are essential to ensure that businesses can meet workforce needs without unnecessary delays or disruptions and ensure that proper screening occurs.

By sharing personal stories and workplace challenges, SHRM Members elevated the voice of HR in a national policy conversation. Whether describing how H-2B workers filled seasonal gaps, sustained community businesses, or reduced pressure on year-round U.S. employees, our advocates made clear that this program is critical to U.S. competitiveness. SHRM will continue to lead on this issue, advancing practical solutions that strengthen both workers and workplaces.

If you are interested in becoming more involved in SHRM's advocacy on the H-2B visa program, please reach out to our team at governmentaffairs@shrm.org.