Delegating the Secretary of Labor the Authority To Adjudicate Certain Temporary Agricultural Worker (H-2A) Petitions

Résumé

On July 13, 2000, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (Service) published a final rule in the Federal Register, delegating the adjudication of certain petitions for agricultural workers (H-2A) to the United States Department of Labor (DOL). Subsequently, the effective date for that final rule was delayed until October 1, 2002. On November 8 and 16, 2001, the DOL held public briefings concerning the delegations. Based on the public response at these briefings the DOL has determined that the delegation of authority for adjudicating H- 2A petitions would not benefit the public as initially contemplated. In consideration of DOL's actions and subsequent events, the delegation of authority does not appear to be appropriate at this time. Accordingly the Attorney General is withdrawing the July 13, 2000, final rule delegating authority to the DOL.