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Rep. Harris Pushes H-2B Visas Amid Immigration Tensions

4/12/2026

Center

Harris Pushes Visas

Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) advocates more seasonal foreign workers to support Maryland's seafood industry after lobbying for 65,000 H-2B visas.
Critics say Harris's stance conflicts with U.S. President Donald Trump's 'America First' agenda.
U.S. President Donald Trump has cited a violent crime by an undocumented immigrant to criticize Democrats' immigration policies.
The administration's legal actions against jurisdictions resisting federal immigration enforcement illustrate ongoing tensions in U.S. immigration policy.

Left

Trump Expedites Deportations

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration pressures immigration judges to expedite deportations, risking due process.
Over a dozen judges describe a system where due process is compromised and many cases are dismissed to facilitate removals.
Data show only 2% of deportation targets faced criminal allegations.
Asylum approvals have dropped, with new judges granting asylum in only 6% of cases, reflecting a broader strategy to reshape immigration enforcement toward speed over justice.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, abolished national origin quotas, significantly altering U.S. demographics by increasing immigration from Asia and Africa. This act laid the groundwork for ongoing immigration debates, exemplified by Rep. Andy Harris's recent proposal for 65,000 H-2B visas, reflecting persistent tensions between labor needs and restrictive policies.

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Harris Pushes Visas

Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) advocates more seasonal foreign workers to support Maryland's seafood industry after lobbying for 65,000 H-2B visas.
Critics say Harris's stance conflicts with U.S. President Donald Trump's 'America First' agenda.
U.S. President Donald Trump has cited a violent crime by an undocumented immigrant to criticize Democrats' immigration policies.
The administration's legal actions against jurisdictions resisting federal immigration enforcement illustrate ongoing tensions in U.S. immigration policy.

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