Government Officially Approves Immigrant Cowboy Hiring Rules From 2021
Published Date: 1/15/2025
Rule
Summary
The Department of Labor just gave a big thumbs-up to a 2021 rule that helps ranchers hire temporary workers for herding and livestock jobs through the H-2A program. This ratification confirms the rule is official and keeps things running smoothly for employers and workers alike. If you’re in livestock herding or production, this means clearer rules and steady access to needed help, with no new costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Ratification Confirms H-2A Rule Validity
The Department of Labor ratified the Final Rule published December 16, 2021 (86 FR 71373) for adjudicating temporary and seasonal need for herding and production of livestock on the range, affirming that action as of January 10, 2025. That ratification confirms the December 16, 2021 rule (effective January 18, 2022) remains valid.
Uniform Adjudication for Range H-2A Applications
The Final Rule requires the Department to adjudicate temporary or seasonal need for herding and production of livestock on the range in the same manner for all applications for temporary agricultural labor certification. The Assistant Secretary ratified that requirement on January 10, 2025.
No Significant Small-Business Economic Impact
The Department certified in the Final Rule (see 86 FR 71382, Dec. 16, 2021) that the amendments do not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The Assistant Secretary ratified the Final Rule on January 10, 2025, including that certification.
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Previous: 2025-00828, Temporary Agricultural Employment of H-2A Foreign Workers in the Herding or Production of Livestock on the Range in the United States; Ratification of Department's Actions
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.
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