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Jersey Shore businesses expect to maintain their usual hiring levels of international students for the summer season, despite previous concerns over immigration policies. According to Cape May County's director of tourism, there have been no reported issues affecting the employment of foreign students this year.
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa program plays a crucial role in staffing seasonal positions at attractions like Morey's Piers in Wildwood. The vice president of human resources at Morey's Piers, Denise Beckson, emphasized that foreign students are eager to experience American culture and continue to apply for summer jobs in the U.S. Morey's Piers typically employs around 500 international students annually.
The J-1 visa program allows thousands of students to work in New Jersey each summer, with over a quarter million participating nationwide. These students often fill essential roles such as ride operators, lifeguards, and retail workers, supplementing the local workforce in tourist-heavy areas.
Despite the Trump administration's previous efforts to limit employment-based cultural exchange visas, businesses remain optimistic about their staffing prospects. The program not only addresses workforce needs but also serves as a form of public diplomacy, exposing international students to American values and culture.