"The expansion of the P-1 visa category would solve the problems that the MAINEiacs and other top-level amateur and minor league sports teams have been experiencing this year due to the shortage of H-2B temporary worker visas," Senator Collins said. "Because of this shortage, sports teams in Maine and across the United States have been unable to bring some of their most talented prospects to the United States. Major League teams have also lost a traditional source of talent."
Senator Collins' legislation would enable minor league athletes and certain amateur sports teams to apply for P-1 nonimmigrant visas, which are reserved for athletes who are deemed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services as performing at an "internationally recognized level of performance." Under current law, P-1 visas are typically reserved for only those athletes who already have been promoted to Major League sports, thus excluding talented minor and amateur league athletes. Senator Collins pointed out that promising athletes are not likely to earn Major League contracts if the players are not first permitted to hone their skills, and to prove themselves, in the minor leagues.
"My bill would ensure that minor league athletes and certain amateur-level athletes, like the Lewiston MAINEiacs, can enter the country through the visa program that is now primarily used by elite athletes," said Senator Collins. "The MAINEiacs are a source of pride for the community and help to bring visitors to the area during the hockey season. For each home game that the team must cancel or reschedule because of the visa shortage, the economic impact on the Lewiston and Auburn areas, in terms of lost ticket, hotel, and restaurant revenue, will be considerable. My bill will make it easier for these talented young players to come to the U.S. to play at home."
Currently, minor league athletes must enter the country using the H-2B nonimmigrant visa category. The H-2B visa cap of 66,000 was met in March. With the shortage of H-2B visas, hundreds of minor league and amateur league athletes have been unable to come to the Unites States this year.
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