The Labor Department has decided to resume processing of H-2A labor certifications for farms despite the ongoing government shutdown.
The department on Friday released a new shutdown contingency plan that allows personnel in the Office of Foreign Labor Certification to “process prevailing wage determinations and labor certification applications.”
Asked about the department’s decision, a department spokesperson told Agri-Pulse that as the shutdown continues, “we are reevaluating our lapse plan to help meet the current needs of the American people. This decision was part of that effort.”
The contingency plan says work by both OFLC and the Office of Immigration Policy “precedes the visa admission and issuance work performed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (State), respectively, as required by the Immigration and Nationality Act and DHS regulations. The work OFLC is required to support these exempt activities at DHS and State, which remain funded by fee revenues authorized by Congress and paid by employers.”
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association said in a statement, “The Trump administration’s swift decision to resume processing H-2A labor certifications during the shutdown demonstrates its commitment to supporting growers and ensuring domestic food security.”
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