The Ocean City MD Hotel Motel Restaurant Association says about 12,000 seasonal workers are needed each summer.
About 4,000 J-1 Visa students fulfill well over half of those jobs with many of them working two jobs.
COVID-19 travel restrictions around the world combined with the Trump Administration’s decision to extend the travel bans put in place at the beginning of his presidency made for a tough 2020 for many Ocean City businesses.
“I worked a lot more last year than I want to work and a lot more last year than in the last 5-10 years,” said Stephan Pastusak, Vice President of Bay Shore Development which owns Jolly Roger Amusement.
The program that began as a cultural exchange was challenged by the Trump administration when travel bans were issued at the beginning of his administration.
Those connected to the program in Ocean City are calling on the soon-to-be Biden administration to extend it, signing a petition set to be sent out January 13.
The Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director says if all goes well with recruitment efforts, she’s optimistic about the 2021 tourism season.
“We expect that summer 2021 we will indeed be able to host a full complement of the j-1 cultural exchange as we did in the past. We are not expecting any obstacles relative to that,” said Lachelle Scarlato.
Here we go Giving America Away again !!!!
Hire American 1st !!!! America FIRST policy !!!!
Lather/Rinse/Repeat
Here’s something to ponder – who would really want to come here given the HYPE that this country leads the way in all statistics? Really?
And don’t give me more money here, experience, etc. OC has had almost a full year to redo the J1 business process and that INCLUDES proper housing.
Rickie – has anything been done to improve that feature???
Yes folks from other countries want a opportunity to come to the US.
No, City Hall hasn’t done anything about summer housing for workers.
Both answers have the same end game – MONEY!
Who would want to come to the New America > the Communist One under Biden ??? Dugh
I’m pretty sure Steve hasn’t worked a day in his life.
Biden will let Iran’s come here to work & not vett anybody !!!