Representative ImageThe American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has expressed strong support for the recent announcement by the Departments of Labour and Homeland Security to issue up to 64,716 supplemental H-2B visas for the fiscal year 2026. These visas are part of a legal guest worker programme aimed at alleviating staffing shortages in the hotel industry, particularly as it gears up for major events this year.
Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of AHLA, stated that the temporary rule releasing these visas is crucial for maintaining the level of service that guests expect. "As the hotel industry prepares to welcome the world for major celebrations this year, we applaud today’s temporary rule releasing tens of thousands of much-needed H-2B visas," she said. The H-2B visa programme is essential for independent hotels and resorts, especially in remote holiday destinations, to fill seasonal roles.
AHLA has long advocated for the release of additional workforce visas and continues to push for reforms that would modernise the H-2B programme. The association calls on Parliament to advance reforms that reduce bureaucratic hurdles for returning workers and expand the legal labour pool whilst safeguarding US workers and supporting local economies.
The current H-2B visa programme is capped at 66,000 visas annually, a limit that AHLA argues is insufficient to meet the rising demand in the hospitality sector. The association represents over 30,000 members across the US, including major global brands and the largest hotel companies, and focuses on advocacy, communications, and workforce development to advance the industry
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