Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, Lisa Murkowski, and several colleagues have put forth the Save Our Seafood (SOS) Act, aiming to support the seafood industry by exempting fish processors from the current restrictions on H-2B visas. This legislation is viewed as crucial for the health of the fishing industry, its economic contributions, and its role in the national food supply chain.

"When you think Louisiana, you think seafood," remarked Senator Cassidy. "Creating jobs in this industry is good for our economy and state."

Senator Murkowski highlighted the importance of this initiative for Alaska's fishing sector: "Alaska’s seafood industry is a delicate chain – and when processors don’t have the workforce to meet demand, the whole industry can fall apart."

H-2B visas provide a means for U.S. employers to temporarily hire nonimmigrant workers for nonagricultural roles when positions cannot be filled domestically. Employers must get a certification from the U.S. Department of Labor and then apply through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to obtain these visas.

The senators emphasize the program's essential role in the seafood industry's sustainability. According to the senators, without sufficient processing capacity, fishermen face difficulties delivering their catch, impacting small, family-run seafood operations and their communities negatively.

Alongside Senators Cassidy and Murkowski, Senators Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, Angela Alsobrooks, and Chris Van Hollen are also supporting the introduction of this legislation.