Supreme Court grapples with Department of Labor case involving migrant worker fines

On November 10, 2026, the Supreme Court heard arguments in Department of Labor v. Sun Valley Orchards, a case challenging the Department of Labor's authority to fine companies for violations of the H-2A migrant worker program. The court grappled with whether such fines should be imposed by federal agencies or require judicial review, with Justice Elena Kagan questioning the defendant’s argument about foreign workers undercutting domestic jobs. Sun Valley Orchards, a New Jersey farm, was fined $550,000 in 2015 for poor living conditions and wage violations reported by migrant workers. The company argues that imposing such penalties bypasses their constitutional right to a jury trial, while the DOL asserts that precedent supports its enforcement powers under immigration law. Justices were divided on the issue, with Justice Brett Kavanaugh expressing skepticism about the clarity of the proposed legal framework.