The U.S. Department of Labor has rejected hundreds of visas for seasonal East End employees, which some fear could spark the hiring of undocumented workers.

Jennifer Leifheit, of Hartman's Briney Breezes in Montauk, said the seven foreign workers who have staffed the 44-room getaway for years were denied visas for this summer. Hundreds of other applications were also denied.

A Labor Department official spoke by phone to some East End business owners, telling them increased visa demands and new federal efficiency guidelines caused the rejections.

"Hopefully we'll file an appeal and that will come through," Leifheit said. If the appeal system fails, Leifheit said she'd consider using students, who aren't ideal because they don't stay an entire season.

Easthampton Town Supervisor William McGintee believes owners will find another alternative. "It appears the federal government is encouraging the use of undocumented workers," he said. "They are making it more and more complicated for people trying to do the right thing."

The Labor Department official said the government has no guarantees, but it will attempt to speed up the appeals process for East End employees.