A major focus of this year’s advocacy effort was support for the proposed “Certified Seasonal Employer” language currently being discussed in federal appropriations negotiations. 

The Certified Seasonal Employer proposal is designed to reward businesses that have consistently followed the rules and responsibly used the H-2B program over multiple years. Under the proposal, employers that have received H-2B labor certifications for the past five years would be allowed to maintain access to the highest number of seasonal workers they were previously certified for without those workers counting against the annual H-2B cap. 

One way to think about it is this: businesses that have proven year after year they are compliant, dependable, and operating legally would no longer have to “re-enter the lottery” every season just to maintain the same workforce levels they have historically relied upon. 

Currently, the H-2B program has an annual visa cap of 66,000 per fiscal year that has not been updated in decades despite major economic growth and increased workforce demand. The proposed language would reward long-time, compliant employers (certified for the last five years) instead of forcing them to compete under the same uncertainty each season. These workers would not be included in the cap. ​

The Certified Seasonal Employer language is currently being discussed as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations process in Congress. 

Rather than moving as a standalone immigration bill, the proposal is being pursued through the federal appropriations process because Congress frequently uses annual funding legislation to address operational H-2B issues and cap relief measures. In this case, industry groups are advocating for the language to be included in the baseline DHS Appropriations bill because DHS oversees key parts of the H-2B program, including visa allocation and administration. 

The proposal has already gained significant attention in Washington. According to industry briefings shared during the fly-in, the White House previously supported inclusion of the Certified Seasonal Employer language during earlier federal funding negotiations, and advocates are continuing to push for its inclusion in the final FY27 DHS funding package. 

This means the current focus is on educating Congressional offices, appropriations staff, and committee leadership about why workforce certainty is critical for seasonal employers and why long-time, compliant businesses should receive more predictability within the H-2B process. 
​
For TNLA members, the issue is not simply about increasing workforce numbers; it is about creating a more stable and predictable system that allows responsible employers to better plan projects, retain year-round employees, and continue supporting Texas’ growing economy. ​

For TNLA members, success would mean: 

• More workforce certainty for seasonal employers 

• Better project planning and scheduling 

• Reduced operational disruptions during peak seasons 

• Greater ability to retain and hire year-round American workers 

• Continued support for Texas’ growing economy and infrastructure needs 

Most importantly, members wanted policymakers to hear directly from businesses experiencing these workforce challenges every day. 

​TNLA appreciates the members who traveled to Washington to ensure the voice of Texas’ green industry was represented on Capitol Hill. ​

​The two-spot cotton leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula) has recently been detected in Texas, traced to hibiscus shipments from out-of-state. This pest is already appearing in retail environments and poses a serious risk to ornamental plants and crops.

Bell County now marks the furthest south the invasive pest has been confirmed in the U.S.
The presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) has been newly confirmed in Jack, Navarro, Somervell, Bell, and Rockwall counties, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Notably, Bell County’s detection marks the southernmost known presence of EAB in the United States—a major milestone in the pest’s expansion and a growing threat to Texas ash tree populations.


🪲 What is Emerald Ash Borer?
The emerald ash borer is a destructive, exotic beetle that infests and kills ash trees by burrowing beneath the bark and cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. Once infested, ash trees typically die within 2–3 years.
EAB was first confirmed in Texas in 2016 and has now been detected in 31 counties statewide. The latest confirmations in 2024 represent a notable southward jump, increasing the risk for nurseries, landscapes, and natural ash populations across Central Texas.
​
Counties Affected

The USDA Interactive Map displays confirmed detections across the U.S., including the growing number in Texas.

What’s Being Done to Tackle It
The Texas A&M Forest Service is leading surveillance and outreach efforts to slow the spread of EAB. Confirmed counties are subject to state quarantines that restrict the movement of ash wood products to prevent further dispersal. Ongoing education and early detection efforts are critical tools in protecting remaining ash populations.


Key Considerations for TNLA Members

• If you grow or handle ash trees, especially in newly affected or adjacent counties, consult the TDA’s quarantine guidelines.
• Expect increased regulatory scrutiny around movement of nursery stock, wood products, and green waste.
• Landscape companies and urban foresters should monitor ash trees for dieback symptoms and woodpecker activity.

Here are some of the symptoms that are key to notice:

• Dead branches near the top of a tree
• Leafy shoots sprouting from the trunk.
• Bark splits exposing s-shaped larval galleries.
• Extensive woodpecker activity
• D‐shaped exit holes

Stay Informed

• Visit the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Emerald Ash Borer Hub for the latest maps, detection protocols, and resources.

Next Steps from TNLA
TNLA is monitoring the EAB expansion and will continue to work with federal, state, and local officials to ensure members remain informed and compliant. If you have questions about how EAB may impact your nursery or landscape operation, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]

The proposed overhaul of Texas’ congressional map—pushed by President Donald Trump—is designed to give the GOP five additional seats in next year’s midterm elections. While the newly drafted lines would likely deliver some Republican pickups, an analysis of the redistricting plan suggests that a full five-seat gain is far from guaranteed.
These changes, based on 2020 census data, could help solidify Republican control in up to 30 of Texas’ 38 congressional districts—a significant shift with long-term implications for the green industry’s federal priorities.


🔄 Key Districts to Watch
Two South Texas districts remain highly competitive—and one carries particular importance for TNLA:
👉 Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28, Laredo)
👉 Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34, McAllen)

Both represent districts that leaned Republican in the last presidential election, yet they successfully held onto their seats. The new map makes each district slightly more conservative—a calculated gamble banking on continued GOP gains among Hispanic voters.

For TNLA, Congressman Cuellar is a critical ally. He has been one of the most consistent and vocal champions of the H-2A and H-2B guest worker programs, which are essential to the nursery and landscape industry. His leadership has helped secure program stability, visa processing improvements, and continued momentum toward year-round labor solutions.

🗳️ As redistricting reshapes the political landscape, TNLA is watching closely—not just for shifts in party control, but for how these changes could impact federal advocacy for the green industry.


🔵 Other Competitive Districts
Several Democratic-held urban and suburban districts could also become heavily Republican—under the proposed map. These include:
• TX-9 – Rep. Al Green (Houston)
• TX-32 – Rep. Julie Johnson (Dallas suburbs)
• TX-35 – Rep. Greg Casar (San Antonio to Austin)
If adopted, these changes could turn currently blue districts into strong-performing Republican seats, further reshaping the state’s congressional delegation.


🧠 Why This Matters to TNLA Members
Programs like H-2A and H-2B are the backbone of a reliable workforce for TNLA members. Continued engagement with trusted allies like Rep. Cuellar ensures our industry’s needs are front and center in Washington.

Your voice—and your vote—matter. They help protect essential workforce programs and ensure support for pro-industry champions in the 2026 election cycle.
​
Stay tuned for more updates as TNLA continues to monitor congressional developments and advocate on your behalf.

On June 11, TNLA’s Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, Curtis Smith, joined a coalition of chambers of commerce, trade associations, and directly impacted individuals in Austin for a roundtable hosted by FWD.us and the Texas Association of Business, marking the 13th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.

Moderated by Glenn Hamer, President & CEO of the Texas Association of Business, the event brought together Texas business leaders to underscore a shared message: DACA recipients are vital to our workforce—and our future.

“I have seen firsthand how DACA recipients strengthen our workforce every day,” said Curtis Smith. “They are critical to keeping our industries competitive, and we need policies that reflect their value to our state and our economy.”

📉 The Threat of Losing DACA Protections Is Real—and Costly
Participants heard testimony from Edilsa Lopez, an Austin-based DACA recipient and accountant, as well as updates from FWD.us policy staff on the current legal and political landscape surrounding DACA. The event highlighted the widespread economic risk posed by ending the program.

Key data shared at the roundtable included:

• 70,000 DACA recipients in Texas could be forced out of the workforce
• 34,000 additional jobs would disappear if DACA-owned businesses closed
• $37 billion in projected economic losses to Texas
• $782 million in annual lost revenue for state and local governments
• $227 million in annual business income losses

🧾 Additional Background: The DACA Policy Legal Landscape
The legal future of DACA remains uncertain—especially for Texas.
As of now, the Texas v. United States DACA case is returning to Judge Hanen, following no petitions being filed to escalate the case to the U.S. Supreme Court by the May 19 deadline. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals instructed Judge Hanen to revise his prior ruling.

Here's what that means:

• DACA work authorization is considered unlawful in Texas only.
• Texas DACA recipients retain deportation protection but could lose their right to work.
• In the other 49 states, full DACA benefits remain intact, including the ability to work.
• DACA renewals are still permitted in all 50 states, but initial applications remain frozen nationwide.
• Judge Hanen must now determine how Texas transitions from full to partial DACA benefits.

For now, the status quo remains—but changes could be imminent, especially for the Texas-based workforce.

🌱 Why This Matters to the Green Industry
The Texas nursery and landscape industry already faces a growing labor shortage. DACA recipients have become essential contributors—whether on farms, in nurseries, or running their own businesses.

At TNLA, we continue to push for practical, bipartisan workforce policies that reflect the current needs of our members and the economic realities of doing business in Texas.
​
Have questions about DACA, TNLA’s workforce advocacy, or how this could impact your business?
📩 Reach out to Curtis Smith at [email protected]

On April 2, 2025, new U.S. trade measures were announced that represent a major shift in federal tariff policy—with broad implications for the horticulture and landscape industries.

Before diving into the specifics, here’s a quick refresher:

What Is a Tariff?
A tariff is a tax placed on goods imported into a country. It’s designed to make foreign products more expensive, either to encourage consumers to buy domestically or to apply pressure in trade negotiations.

Example:
If your business imports $100,000 worth of garden tools from Italy and a 10% tariff applies, you would owe $10,000 in duties—bringing the total cost to $110,000.

Who Pays for Tariffs?While tariffs are technically paid by importers at the border, the costs often get passed down the supply chain:

• Importers may raise prices to offset the cost
• Distributors and retailers may adjust pricing
• Ultimately, consumers and other businesses feel the impact

Key Changes TNLA Members Should Know

🔹 10% Blanket Tariff on All Imports
Effective April 5, 2025, a 10% tariff will apply to all goods entering the U.S., regardless of country of origin. This is one of the most sweeping tariff measures in recent history.

🔹 Reciprocal Tariffs Begin April 9A second round of tariffs will target goods from countries that impose barriers on U.S. exports. These “reciprocal” tariffs will vary by country and industry.

Exemptions include:

• Items under national emergency provisions (50 U.S.C. 1702(b))
• Steel, aluminum, and autos already under Section 232
• Copper, lumber, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals
• Energy and critical minerals not produced in the U.S.
• Bullion (precious metals)

These tariffs will remain until the administration determines that U.S. trade imbalances and unfair practices have been addressed.

🔹 Canada & Mexico
Impacts are limited for now under active IEEPA orders related to migration and fentanyl:

• USMCA-compliant goods: 0% tariff
• Non-USMCA-compliant goods: 25% tariff
• Non-USMCA energy and potash: 10% tariff

If these orders are lifted in the future, non-USMCA goods will be subject to a 12% reciprocal tariff.

🔹 End of Duty-Free Imports from China & Hong Kong
The de minimis rule currently allows duty-free shipments under $800. That exemption ends soon:

• May 2, 2025: $25 or 30% per item (whichever is higher)
• June 1, 2025: $50 per item

This change will significantly impact small package imports and e-commerce.

🔹 Auto & Auto Parts Tariffs
A 25% tariff on imported cars takes effect April 3, 2025.

​A separate tariff on imported auto parts will follow no later than May 3, 2025.

Parts that meet USMCA requirements are initially excluded. However, the Commerce Department will soon introduce a system to assess which components count as “non-U.S.” for tariff purposes.

What TNLA Members Should Do Now
If your business relies on imported goods—such as pots, fertilizer, hand tools, or machinery—it’s important to take proactive steps:

• Review your supply chains
• Talk with vendors about possible alternatives
• Evaluate potential cost increases
• Watch for evolving updates

While some of these tariffs may be temporary, the financial impact could be long-lasting.

Why Labor Access Matters More Than Ever
These new tariffs will likely increase your cost of doing business. That’s why labor policy must be part of the conversation. A reliable, legal workforce—especially through programs like H-2A and H-2B—is critical to absorbing financial pressure and staying competitive.

Tariffs and workforce access go hand in hand.
In a more expensive global marketplace, stability and productivity at home are non-negotiable.

TNLA will continue to monitor these changes and advocate for solutions that protect and support your business.
​
Stay tuned for updates.

Kim Cabrera, TNLA's Marketing Manager, recently had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Monsur, an expert in Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and 360-degree experiences, and a pioneer in integrating these technologies into the field of landscape architecture. His innovative work with VR in landscape design is not only transforming how we think about outdoor spaces but also inspiring a new generation of landscape architects. In this feature, Dr. Monsur will also share his insights into his groundbreaking research and how his graduate students are pushing the boundaries of design through technology & again about being at the West Texas Workshop happening in Lubbock, TX on Oct 2-3, 2024.

At Texas Tech University, Dr. Monsur’s XR Lab is a hub for cutting-edge research and education. His team of graduate students is pushing the boundaries of landscape architecture by incorporating immersive technologies into their design processes. From using VR to simulate plant growth in real-time to AR tools that overlay design concepts onto existing spaces, the lab is providing students with hands-on experience in blending technology and nature. These tools are not only enhancing their ability to visualize and test landscapes, but they’re also helping them communicate complex design ideas to clients and stakeholders more effectively.

For educators, XR is proving to be a powerful teaching tool. Instructors are using VR to conduct virtual site tours, allowing students to explore diverse landscapes without ever leaving the classroom. These immersive experiences give students the chance to engage with their designs on a deeper level, fostering creativity and practical understanding. Teachers can also use AR to demonstrate how different plants and materials interact within a landscape, bringing textbooks to life in a dynamic, interactive way.

Despite the advanced nature of the technology, Dr. Monsur emphasizes that XR is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for all ages—including those who may not consider themselves tech-savvy. With easy-to-navigate VR environments and intuitive AR tools, even those new to technology can benefit from this innovative approach to landscape design. This accessibility makes XR a valuable tool not only for today’s professionals but also for mentoring future generations.
​
Dr. Monsur's vision is clear: by embracing XR, the landscape architecture industry can become more innovative, engaging, and inclusive. With students, teachers, and professionals alike exploring these tools, the green industry is positioned to lead the way into a future where technology enhances sustainable design.

More Information:
You can email him at [email protected] for more information on how to get involved, how to use this new technology and to schedule a meet up at the West Texas Workshop. 
To Register for the West Texas Workshop please click HERE
Download his PowerPoint XR Lab Presentation LINK
Read more about Monsur and his team through an article in LAM, click this LINK
To view the San Antonio Will Smith Zoo School Playground click this LINK

Get ready for an incredible learning experience at the West Texas Workshop, taking place October 2-3, 2024, in Lubbock, TX. Hosted at Texas Tech University, this workshop is an excellent opportunity to tour the Horticulture Gardens and Greenhouse Complex and explore the latest Texas Superstar Plant Trial Research.

What to Expect:
​During the workshop, attendees will gain valuable insights from horticulture experts and participate in over 4 hours of Water Wise Education, earning TNLA CEUs. The event also offers numerous networking opportunities, with social gatherings and receptions designed to foster idea exchange among industry professionals.

Special Highlights:
On October 2nd, join us for a welcome reception to kickstart the event. On October 3rd, delve into water-wise education and enjoy an exclusive tour of Texas Tech University’s gardens. A special guest speaker, Texas State Senator Charles Perry, Chair of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs, will also be presenting.
Registration Details:
Register now for just $175 for members and $200 for non-members. This fee includes access to all educational sessions, the welcome reception, and a complimentary lunch. Need accommodations? Stay at the DoubleTree for $129 per night. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your knowledge and connect with industry leaders in West Texas!

​Register by visiting: https://www.tnlaonline.org/westtxworkshop.html and click HERE for hotel accommodations 

This is your chance to take time with your crew to head out to West Texas to explore cutting-edge advancements in water-saving technology and landscapes featuring drought-resistant plants. 

​For additional information, contact Tricia Smith at [email protected] or call 512-579-3853.
Sponsorships Available
Sponsorships are available. For Questions Contact Allison Berry at [email protected]
 
 Thank you to this Years Sponsors:Southwest Wholesale Nursery
Wolfe Nursery Direct
Texas Tech University
Environmental Landscape Solutions
Back To Nature
Amarillo Land Services
SiteOne Landscape Supply