U.S. Doubles Temporary Worker Visas to Combat Labor Shortage Amid Mass Deportations

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor have jointly announced a massive expansion of the H-2B temporary non-agricultural worker visa program for 2026. On Friday (Jan 30), the administration approved an additional 64,716 visas, effectively doubling the usual annual cap to meet the growing demands of the domestic labor market.

Political analysts link this sharp increase to the ongoing crackdown on undocumented immigrants initiated by President Trump shortly after taking office in January 2025. The mass deportation of thousands of workers over the past year has left industries such as construction, hospitality, and seafood processing in a state of emergency.

The additional visas will be available until September 30, specifically targeting businesses that are at significant risk of irreparable financial harm due to a lack of available U.S. workers. This move highlights the federal government's attempt to balance strict border enforcement with the practical economic needs of American industries.