GCSAA is happy to report a win for members who utilize the H-2B seasonal visa program. On June 12, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee unanimously approved language that would mandate the release of 64,716 additional visas next year, once the low cap of 66,000 visas is met. This language is significant because by making the release of visas mandatory, the golf industry will know how many extra visas will be available for next year and when.

GCSAA has been working hard to increase the visas available to golf course superintendents. Last year – thanks to GCSAA's efforts – up to 64,716 visas were authorized in the Fiscal Year 2024 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations bill. While helpful to golf superintendents, the discretionary language in the bill meant uncertainty in how many visas would ultimately be available and when. Thankfully, DHS released all 64,716 visas in December, but there is no guarantee that this will happen again next year (FY 2025).

The House Appropriations Committee initially wanted to keep the discretionary language, continuing the uncertainty golf was facing in meeting its labor needs. However, GCSAA worked with H-2B supporters on the committee – Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) and Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) – to introduce an amendment to the FY 2025 DHS Appropriations bill that required the release of additional visas, once the cap was met. GCSAA then worked hard to ensure the committee members understood how the visas impact golf. Thanks to the voices of GCSAA members, GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans and the allies on the H-2B Workforce Coalition, the effort was a success. So many members on the House Appropriations Committee supported this amendment that it passed by voice vote. 

Expect GCSAA to continue to fight for this language, as the FY25 DHS Appropriations bill makes its way to the full House for a vote and then to the Senate. GCSAA members continue to express how important H-2B visas are in addressing their labor needs, and GCSAA will continue to bring that message to Congress.