Trump loosens rules on seasonal workers after lobbyists party at his properties: watchdog

A government watchdog is alleging that President Donald Trump loosened up rules around some foreign-born workers after industry lobbyists put on a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago and invited attendees to stay at another one of his properties.

The Trump administration has been cracking down on documented and undocumented immigration, but he agreed to continue issuing H-2B visas allowing foreign workers to do seasonal work in the U.S. two weeks after the event at the president's private resort, according to Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

“Given Trump’s victory, the Mar-a-Lago event calendar is full and we were very fortunate to have secured a spot on their calendar, especially a night where there is a decent chance President Trump will be there,” read a release for the March 13 event hosted by Seasonal Employment Alliance’s PAC.

The release touted the event as an “exclusive opportunity for SEA members” that was “due to the generosity of SEA board member and Mar-a-Lago member Peter Petrina," a paying member at Mar-a-Lago who has worked with the Trump Organization in the past to recruit foreign workers to the company's properties.

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"The invitation for the fundraiser notes opportunities for members to stay at Mar-a-Lago and play golf at Trump’s nearby course — both of which sold out," CREW reported. "And if that didn’t offer members enough opportunities to spend money at Trump’s businesses, the invitation notes that they can head to another Trump property an hour away, Trump Doral in Miami, and take advantage of special rates for two more nights."

It's not clear how much money the event diverted to the president's company, but SEA held another fundraising in May 2024 at Mar--a-Lago that raised at least $34,000, according to FEC reports.

"Pouring money into the president’s businesses with the hope of getting face time with the president — all while his businesses take advantage of his administration’s policies — is one of the clearest demonstrations of the corruption that has been at the core of Trump’s public service career," CREW noted.