SAM Magazine-Washington, D.C., Aug. 7, 2008-As most resorts know, the H-2B visa cap has been reached. The "final receipt date" for H-2B visa applications was July 29. However, there's still a chance that Congress, when it reconvenes in September, will pass an exemption for returning H-2B workers, as existed in recent years. Resorts with applications ready to file, when and if the exemption is restored, would still be able to get employees approved for the coming winter. If prompt passage of the exemption is secured, foreign workers might be able to arrive before the holiday season. Remember, though, that passage of any immigration-related legislation is by no means assured; it will require approval of both houses of Congress, which will be difficult to secure during the election season.

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