Jersey Shore’s International Workers Remain a Vital Part of the Summer Economy

WILDWOOD — Each summer, thousands of international students travel to the Jersey Shore to work at amusement parks, restaurants, and shops, providing critical support to the local economy. Despite challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting political dynamics, there is little indication that the influx of J-1 visa workers will be disrupted this year. Diane Wieland, Cape May County’s director of tourism, confirmed that business leaders have not reported any problems staffing up for the summer. Although the change in presidential administrations and increasing immigration enforcement have raised concerns, Morey’s Piers, one of the area’s largest employers of international students, anticipates no significant issues. The amusement park hires roughly 500 international students annually, accounting for about a third of its workforce. The J-1 visa program, established in the 1960s, enables college students from over 200 countries to work and experience U.S. culture during the summer. Despite ongoing concerns about visa revocations and delays in processing, businesses like Morey’s and others across the Jersey Shore are confident the program will continue to be a crucial part of their seasonal operations. However, issues such as housing for these students have raised some concerns. While Morey’s ensures adequate housing, other local businesses are under scrutiny for housing quality. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Bridge USA website at https://j1visa.state.gov/.