A group of Michigan lawmakers recently expressed opposition to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) proposed fee increases for small business employers, maintaining it negatively impacts varied industries.
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) joined 11 colleagues in sending correspondence to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, noting the proposed fee increases would inflate the cost of the H-2A petition fee for named workers from $460 to $1,090 and increase H-2A petition fees for unnamed workers from $460 to $530.
“Michigan agriculture is a significant driver of the state’s economy, and our farmers that rely on H-2A are already faced with a 12.8 percent wage rate increase since last year,” the legislators wrote. “DHS is also proposing a new $600 Asylum Program Fee on certain work visa petitions that will impact not just agriculture but a wide array of industries from tourism to nonprofits.”
In the letter, the lawmakers cited concerns that the proposed DHS action would make operating an agricultural operation more difficult; limit job opportunities for Americans; raise consumer prices; and harm the nation’s food security.
“We request DHS reconsider the implementation of these significant fee increases within the rule,” the legislators concluded. “We look forward to working with DHS on improving visa services on behalf of the Michigan businesses we represent and protecting our borders.”