The Supreme Court heard arguments over Labor Department fines on a New Jersey farm
The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a case challenging the Labor Department’s authority to impose a fine of more than $550,000 on Sun Valley Orchards, a New Jersey farm accused of mistreating workers hired through the H-2A visa program. The dispute is U.S. Department of Labor v. Sun Valley Orchards.
Get The Augerton Digest by email.
The Center Square reported that an administrative judge assessed the penalty over alleged improper living conditions and unfair wages. The farm later went out of business following the fine.
Sarah Harris, principal deputy solicitor general, argued that Congress authorized the labor secretary to impose fines on businesses employing migrant workers. She said immigration was the main public-rights issue, while housing and pay involved private rights. Robert Johnson, a lawyer for the farm, argued the dispute was contractual and should be decided in federal court.
Was this story useful?
What was the main problem? (optional)
Reporting behind this story
- The Washington Post — Supreme Court grapples with arguments in Sun Valley Orchards case
- The Center Square — U.S. Supreme Court appears split on migrant labor dispute | National | thecentersquare.com
- tippinsights.com — Supreme Court Weighs Federal Authority In H-2A Worker Cases
- dailysignal.com — Justices Skeptical of Trump’s Immigration Enforcement Authority