Open Letter to Senators Feinstein and Boxer, Representative Barbara Lee: Please Save H-2B

A response from Senator Boxer follows:

Thank you for contacting me regarding proposals to extend the annual cap exemption for returning H-2B temporary guest workers. I appreciate hearing from you on this matter, and I agree with you.

As you may know, the Senate Judiciary Committee is currently considering S.988, the Save Our Small and Seasonal Business Act of 2007. This bipartisan bill would extend the annual cap exemption for returning H-2B visa holders until October 1, 2012.

I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this important legislation. Seasonal workers play a vital part in many American businesses. Without them, many small businesses would be forced to limit services, lay off permanent U.S. workers, or even close their doors.

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me . Be assured that I will work with my colleagues to pass S.988 and see it signed into law.

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

Here is the letter I sent to Boxer and my other representatives in Congress. I urge you to do the same.

I respectfully urge you to support the extension of H-2B, in order for a number of American circuses, which rely -- legally -- on big top entertainers and roustabouts from around the world, particularly from Mexico and other South American countries, to continue to be able to offer AFFORDABLE FAMILY circus entertainment. Not every family can afford Cirque du Soleil. Many smaller U.S. circuses provide circus magic for middle and lower class families at extremely reasonable ticket prices. Historically, the U.S. does not produce anywhere near the quality or number of circus performers necessary to attract and satisfy audiences. This is a fact of life. Think of your typical visit to a circus and the overwhelming number of artists from Russia, Europe, Asia, and South American nations who fill the rings and the air. So, please, I am asking you to support the immediate extension of this critically important legislation.

BOTTOM LINE: WITHOUT THIS BILL, WHICH CIRCUS OWNERS LEGALLY NEED AND LEGALLY USE, SOME SHOWS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TOUR. ALREADY, ONE SHOW, CIRCUS CHIMERA, HAS BEEN FORCED TO CANCEL ITS 2008 SEASON.

Thank you for your attention to this issue.

To contact your congressional representatives, here is a link to make it easy:

http://www.slowburning.com/save_our_midways/