📌 How Crucial Is Immigration for the U.S. Hotel Industry?
U.S. Hotels Face Labor Shortage Crisis: The U.S. hotel industry is grappling with a significant labor shortage. With over one million vacancies, especially in service and seasonal roles like housekeeping and food service, many hotels are struggling to meet customer expectations.
I see immigration reform as essential to solving the hotel industry’s severe labor shortages. Expanding visa options will help stabilize this crucial workforce and support industry growth.
Miler Michel
Summary:
- There are more than one million open positions in the U.S. hospitality industry.
- Almost one in three roles in the hotel and food service sectors are held by immigrants.
- High turnover is hurting hotel operations and guest satisfaction.
- Industry and unions both demand more visas and worker protections.
- Legislative changes have been made, but deeper reforms are still pending.
📉 High Turnover and Low Staffing
Around 71% of U.S. hotels report high employee turnover, making it hard to retain staff long enough to ensure stable operations.
The hotel and hospitality industry is part of a broader travel sector that supported 15 million jobs in 2024, but a large portion of these roles remain vacant.
Immigrants currently make up about one-third of the hospitality workforce, highlighting how essential immigration is to this sector.
💼 Calls for Immigration Reform
Industry groups like:
- The American Hotel & Lodging Association and
- The U.S. Travel Association
…are urging Congress and the Biden administration to expand legal immigration pathways, especially the H-2B visa program, which allows employers to bring in seasonal foreign workers when American workers are not available.
🧾 Recent Legislative Actions
In March 2024, the U.S. government passed legislation expanding access to H-2B visas, allowing more international workers to fill seasonal jobs. However, industry leaders argue that this is not enough to meet ongoing demand.
🧑💼 Industry and Labor Unite
Hotel giants like Marriott and Hilton are vocal about the need for more immigration options.
Labor unions like Unite HERE and Culinary Workers Union Local 226 also support reform—but emphasize worker protections and ethical recruitment.
🇺🇸 Policy Still Uncertain
Former President Donald Trump, currently running for re-election, hinted at a new executive order to address worker shortages. However, as of mid-2025, no official policy changes have been introduced.
For expert help through every step of the process, please contact Eden Recruitments for a personalized consultation and make your visa journey smoother and faster.
