Carnival & Fair News

  On Friday, March 8, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the statutory FY24 second half cap has been met. March 7th was the final day petitions were accepted. DHS also announced the filing dates for the supplemental visas:For employers seeking returning workers for the early second half of FY 2024 (April 1 to May 14): USCIS will begin accepting petitions for the additional 19,000 visas made available to returning workers regardless of country of nationality on March 22, 2024. The Seasonal Employment Alliance analysis: It is expected that capped out Group B employers, all of Groups C and D and a portion of Group E to receive their returning workers under this allocation. For employers seeking returning workers for the late second half of FY 2024 (May 15 to Sept. 30): USCIS will begin accepting petitions for the additional 5,000 visas made available to returning workers regardless of country of nationality on April 22, 2024. SEA analysis: Over 15,000 ...   [read more]

  Labor shortage is the top challenge faced by the carnival and mobile entertainment industry.  For years, many carnivals and food concessionaires have relied on a mix of domestic workers and temporary foreign labor through the H-2B visa program.  Due to high demands for H-2B visas and an outdated cap, the last few years have been challenging for those in the industry to obtain workers on time, or, at all, making it extremely difficult for carnivals to plan for their upcoming season.  The Outdoor Amusement Business Association and other H-2B advocacy groups have proposed a solution to the problem called the Carnivals Are Real Entertainment Act, otherwise known as the CARE Act (H.R. 1787).   Summary of the CARE Act The Carnivals are Real Entertainment Act – or the CARE Act – helps this unique and threatened industry address the labor shortage issue by correcting and clarifying existing laws that currently exclude mobile entertainment employers ...   [read more]

  Jim Frederiksen has done it again!  When the International Independent Showmen's Museum needed money to build their building, he donated $1,000,000 in 2010.  And now that the museum has decided to expand, he has donated another $1,000,000 to build a 16,800 sq. Ft. addition to the existing 28,000 sq. Ft. Building, located at 6938 Riverview Dr. In Riverview, FL.  The building, thanks to his financial support, bears his name.Frederiksen made the announcement at the IISA Club's annual Appreciation Banquet on Jan 30.In addition to his support of the museum, Frederiksen is involved with building the U.S. Army Special Forces Association (Chapter 60) Team House building that just broke ground in January and and plans to be open in Tampa on August 1, 2024.  He made a commitment of over $2,000,000 to bring the project to fruition.  He also supports his own Shriners club, the New Egypt Temple building in Tampa.He believes in giving back to the community when you can and ...   [read more]