Lawmakers seek more visas for low-skilled seasonal workers
EUNICE MOSCOSO

WASHINGTON — GOP lawmakers said Tuesday they would try to force a bill to the House floor to increase seasonal visas for foreign workers.

An array of businesses — including crab farmers, beach resorts, and construction firms — could suffer greatly if Congress fails to increase the temporary visas for low-skilled employees known as H-2B’s, the lawmakers said.

Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Fla., said that the hospitality and tourism business as well as the seafood industry could be hurt badly in his state, especially over the busy summer season.

Some businesses in a number of states could be forced to lay off permanent U.S. workers or even close down, lawmakers said.

“They all depend on this labor force to meet peak demand,â€