The Departments of Homeland Security and Labor released two H-2B regulations April 29 that will affect employers utilizing the H-2B program. The regulations include a final rule determining the wage methodology for temporary non-agricultural workers under the H-2B visa program, and an interim final rule (IFR) that includes a new employer registration process, increased recruitment and oversight, requirements for guaranteed pay, additional fees, and similar payment for corresponding U.S. workers.

The newly issued final rule solidifies a 2013 IFR that significantly increased the wages for H-2B workers. 

As a part of the H-2B Workforce Coalition, ABC and other industry organizations released a statement expressing their concern that these final regulations will create higher costs and unnecessary complications for small and seasonal businesses.