Fourth Circuit Skeptical of Illegal Labor Case Against H-2A Rule

A federal appeals court panel in Richmond, Va., appeared doubtful of claims that wage increases mandated for foreign farmworkers on seasonal visas should be blocked because of their potential effect on illegal hiring.

USA Farm Labor made projected increases in employer use of unauthorized labor central to its arguments before the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on Wednesday. The group, which seeks to block Labor Department wage regulations on the H-2A visa program, also accused the government of inadequately accounting for costs employers would bear from new wage increases.

The relevant section of the Immigration and Nationality ...