AK SJR28

Alaska Legislature recognizes J-1 Exchange Visitor and H-1B specialty occupation visa workers as vital to the state's economic security, supporting tourism, seafood processing, health care, and other critical industries facing workforce shortages.

Alaska experiences the nation's largest seasonal employment swing at approximately 14% (43,900 jobs), with visitor-related industries employing 68,386 workers and seafood processing employing 18,841 workers in 2024.

Health care sector supports over 46,000 jobs (11% of statewide employment), generates $3.7 billion in direct wages, and requires approximately 9,943 new workers annually to address turnover and growth.

Resolution opposes President Trump's September 19, 2025 proclamation requiring a $100,000 payment per H-1B petition, arguing it effectively prohibits rural hospitals, seafood processors, tourism businesses, schools, and local governments from hiring H-1B workers.

Urges Alaska's congressional delegation to preserve and strengthen J-1 and H-1B pathways, including improvements to processing times and prioritization of critical and rural services.