The United States Department of Labor, in conjunction with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, has developed temporary worker visa programs to fill a shortage of labor in this country. Throughout American history, groups of laborers from Poles to Chinese immigrants have come to America to do specific jobs the native population could not or did not want to perform. Chinese immigrants were of paramount importance in constructing the railroads of the Old West, for example. Although the harsh treatment the Chinese received has been well documented, today the practices involved with foreign labor are much different.
Today, the agricultural, manufacturing, and hospitality industries have a need for foreign labor. The U.S. Department of Labor issues a certain number of temporary worker visas every year. The visas allow workers to enter the country legally and work for up to twelve months. H2A visas are for agricultural workers and are good for six to twelve months. H2B visas are for temporary workers for seasonal industries such as resorts.
President Bush has recently proposed expanding the worker visa programs, but has met much opposition. Nobody can seem to agree how the programs should be implemented, and what is best for both workers and employers. One thing is certain: immigration, legal or otherwise, will not stop as a long as there are jobs that need to be filled.
Agencies Work with the Department of Labor
Employment agencies that specialize in finding foreign workers for American companies work within the guidelines set down by the U.S. Department of Labor. While many companies hire illegal aliens to do the same types of jobs, most companies do things the right way and go through the proper channels. For the security and safety of America, and the protection of the workers and employers, dont you think it is better to do things the right way?
