Watch CBS News

Md. Lawmakers Question Raising Migrant Worker Wages

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Two members of Maryland's congressional delegation are questioning the impact of visa changes that will increase wages for migrant workers at seafood processing plants.

Senator Barbara Mikulski and Representative Andy Harris say the new regulations set to go into effect Oct. 1 for H-2B visa workers threaten the state's seafood industry and the jobs it creates. Industry groups have filed suit in Louisiana to block the changes.

Harris told The Star Democrat of Easton that the changes will increase domestic seafood prices, allowing foreign seafood to dominate the market.

Mikulski says it doesn't make sense that a regulation intended to help workers will cost American jobs. Mikulski says she will fight to delay the rule until an analysis of the economic impact on the seafood industry is complete.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.