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Judge Rules Trump H-2A Wage Rule Illegal, Orders Backpay

8/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff ruled the Trump administration’s H-2A wage rule illegal.
He said the Labor Department failed to ensure the rule would not harm U.S. farmworkers’ wages.
The rule cut H-2A wages by $3-$7 per hour, lowering California rates to $16.90.
The court ordered the Labor Department to promptly publish a new wage methodology.
Employers may owe backpay from the decision date until a lawful rate is set.

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Story summary

District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff ruled the Trump administration’s H-2A wage rule illegal.
He said the Labor Department failed to ensure the rule would not harm U.S. farmworkers’ wages.
The rule cut H-2A wages by $3-$7 per hour, lowering California rates to $16.90.
The court ordered the Labor Department to promptly publish a new wage methodology.
Employers may owe backpay from the decision date until a lawful rate is set.