Landscape industry members and other advocates of the H-2B guest-worker program gathered in Washington D.C. May 18 to advocate for the program and, in particular, its returning-worker exemption.

The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) joined the H-2B Workforce Coalition for a fly-in event on Capitol Hill. Nearly 200 people from the coalition, including about 40 landscape industry members, attended the event.

“We’re here to meet with our congressmen and congresswomen to let them know the importance of the H-2B and returning-worker program and let them know all the problems that we’ve had,” said Sposato Landscape President Tony Sposato, who attended the event.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-LA, an H-2B supporter, spoke at the event. He stressed the importance of explaining the facts of the program to people because many don’t understand it, according to an NALP spokesperson.

The program has come under attack lately, as opposition in the Senate has been building, according to NALP. There also have been problems with the program, such as delays in receiving workers.

Photo: NALP