Labor Department Confirms 2015 Foreign Cowboy Rules Still Count
Published Date: 1/15/2025
Rule
Summary
The Department of Labor officially confirmed a 2015 rule that lets farmers hire H-2A foreign workers to help with herding and raising livestock on open ranges in the U.S. This ratification clears up any legal questions and keeps the rule active, helping ranchers get the seasonal workers they need without delays. The change mainly affects ranchers and foreign workers, with no new costs or deadlines added now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Ranchers Keep Access to H-2A Herding Workers
The Department of Labor ratified the October 16, 2015 Final Rule on January 10, 2025, which keeps in place the certification process that lets ranchers hire H-2A foreign workers for herding and livestock production on the open range. This ratification affirms the Final Rule (originally effective November 16, 2015) so ranchers can continue to request seasonal H-2A workers without that rule being delayed by the litigation question.
Preserves Work Opportunities for H-2A Employees
Because the Department ratified the October 16, 2015 Final Rule on January 10, 2025, H-2A foreign workers remain eligible to be certified for temporary agricultural jobs involving herding and livestock production on the range. The ratification affirms the existing regulatory standards and keeps those seasonal job opportunities available under the rules that took effect November 16, 2015.
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