Several Republican lawmakers penned a letter to President Trump, urging him not to halt temporary work visas during the coronavirus pandemic, citing immigrant labor as helpful to economic recovery.
“We write today to urge you to consider the important role nonimmigrant temporary visa programs will play in aiding post-pandemic economic recovery in America,” the letter said. “Any changes to these programs should be very narrowly tailored to prevent additional damage to the already struggling American small businesses who rely on the assistance made possible through these visas.”
Among the senators who signed the letter are Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, John Cornyn of Texas, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.
The letter comes as Trump seeks to expand restrictions on temporary work visas for foreign workers at a time when many U.S. residents are finding themselves out of work. The national unemployment rate remains near 15%, with economists predicting its reach to expand to a possible 25%.
Earlier this month, a counter group of Republican senators wrote a separate letter to Trump, urging him to restrict visas for up to a year or until the unemployment level falls back to a normal level. That letter, sent by Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Ted Cruz of Texas, and Chuck Grassley of Iowa, requested Trump halt H-2B visas, which allow nonagricultural seasonal workers to come to the United States.
Tuesday’s letter asks Trump not to suspend issuing H-2B visas, increase exemptions for visa access for struggling businesses, and require the Labor Department to monitor gaps in industries that use nonimmigrant labor.
Fox Business host Lou Dobbs slammed the letter issued today, calling the senators supporting the move Republicans-in-name-only.
“RINO Senators Lying and Turning Their Backs on American Workers and Their Families #MAGA @realDonaldTrump #AmericaFirst #Dobbs,” Dobbs tweeted.
RINO Senators Lying and Turning Their Backs on American Workers and Their Families #MAGA @realDonaldTrump #AmericaFirst #Dobbs https://t.co/AkYnqOWeNl
— Lou Dobbs (@LouDobbs) May 27, 2020
