Small and seasonal US businesses rely on about 100,000 international students to boost their staff each summer.
This year, though, demand threatens to outweigh supply.
"We're seeing the same number of businesses participate. However, the requested number of supplemental participants might be slightly less," Kasey Simon, president of United Work & Travel, told Business Insider. "Five to 10% less overall."
The company is a designated sponsor of BridgeUSA's Summer Work Travel program. In the spirit of cultural exchange, the program invites full-time university students from across the globe to work temporarily in the US. To do so, they must obtain a J-1 visa.
These student workers are a key part of America's workforce, appearing at popular tourist destinations like Ocean City, Cape Cod, the Texas coast, and the Florida Panhandle around peak season.
"Smaller seasonal businesses typically rely on the international workforce to supplement their domestic workforce and give them added support during the shoulder seasons," Simon said. "The first few weeks of the season, American workers are still in school, and by the end of the season, they've left the resort town."
The student workers cover a wide range of hospitality and tourism roles, including lifeguards, bartenders, theme park attendants, retail staffers, and restaurant servers.
However, Simon said uncertainty surrounding the visa process and shifting geopolitical relationships could rattle would-be participants, leaving some businesses in a lurch.
Now hiring?
President Donald Trump has maintained a hard line on immigration during his time in office, enacting full or limited visa suspensions for numerous countries. The administration has also enhanced the vetting and screening process for visas, including online presence reviews.
Although J-1 is a non-immigrant visa, Simon said delays in the vetting process could disrupt the pipeline. Hold-ups at a US embassy could mean student workers arrive later than scheduled, forcing businesses to operate at limited capacity. Business owners often oversee students' lodging as well, so rent on an empty room accumulates.
Noise surrounding the US's immigration policies could also dissuade some participants.
"There are also certain countries, depending on their relationship with the United States, that may not open appointments or be willing or able to issue as many visas as they once had," Simon said. "For example, Russia used to be very popular on this program. It's not as popular as it used to be. Pre- COVID, China was extremely popular, and now it's just gaining back its popularity."
Other events, like hurricanes or natural weather events, play a role, too.
"Whatever happens in the world can impact who's participating," he added.
Additionally, Simon said many of the student workers depend on the money they earn during the summer.
"If our economy is not as strong or powerful as it once was, it may impact an individual's willingness to participate," Simon said.
For small businesses, the fallout can be costly.
"If it's a hotel, they may not be able to service all of their rooms on a daily basis or may not be able to open their restaurant, which would be reduced revenue," Simon said. "The impact is direct."
Cultural exchange
Despite all the variables, Simon said US business owners have come to expect uncertainty.
"They're prepared for things like that, and the employers who are properly educated in the program embrace it," Simon said. "They make it work."
For many businesses, the cultural exchange is just as significant as securing employees.
"We're at a point now where we have children of past participants coming on our program. It is so valuable. Not just for the seasonal businesses, but for the United States as a whole," Simon said.
Simon said he's optimistic that the program will continue to flourish, even with everything happening in the world.
"There are a significant amount of challenges, but year after year, the program has proven its value," Simon said.
