Bordallo seeks H-2B regulatory relief

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU) wrote to Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly Friday to request assistance in resolving Guam’s H-2B challenges and to consider any negative impacts future executive orders on immigration could have on national security in the region. She requested that Kelly exercise his regulatory authority to provide for a commonsense solution to Guam’s workforce challenges. She underscored the challenges the denials have had on Guam’s economy and the implications they could have on U.S. security interests in the region.  

“The H-2B visa program has been critical to supporting Guam’s workforce needs and sustaining our healthcare, tourism, and military construction industries. The rash of denials we have seen threatens U.S. military posture in the region and Guam’s economic wellbeing. I continue to believe that it is within USCIS’ authority to provide administrative relief for this crisis and I hope that [Kelly] will exercise his regulatory authority to address our challenges. I also encourage the administration to consider any negative impacts future executive orders could have on our national security interests and to ensure that future actions on immigration do not have unintended consequences for the U.S. realignment in the region.” (PR)