Trump Administration Considering Cuts to Summer Work Visas; Outcome Would Cause Major Economic Impact to New Jersey Businesses

The following is a Breaking News Alert from Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks...

The Wall Street Journal reported late yesterday that the Trump Administration is considering major reductions/elimination of work-travel programs, including the J-1 SWT visa exchange program, a crucial resource for seasonal employees for Morey's Piers and many other businesses in the state of New Jersey.

• Elimination of these programs would have a devastating impact to tourism-driven communities and businesses, as the program allows companies like Morey’s Piers to fully staff for the season.

• Abolishing the program which acts as a supplement to hiring locally, would drastically decrease the family-owned seaside attraction’s ability to operate and shorten its season, especially during the shoulder months when American students are unable to work.

• This would lead to a significant decrease in the number of American workers Morey’s is able to employ full time and would impact future growth and capital expenditures.

• As one of the largest tourism employers in the Wildwoods, limiting operations would have an impact on other area businesses, including other boardwalk venues, hotels, restaurants, parking lots and retail.

• According to the U.S. Department of State, 2,846 international students were located in Cape May County in 2016, including 1,580 in the Wildwoods.  In 2017, Morey’s Piers hired 1,500 summer workers; 550 were from the J-1 program.

• It is estimated that J1 visa holders in the summer program contribute more than $500 Million to the US economy each year through program fees, travel, housing and entertainment.