Recently, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) released its latest report on H-2A temporary agricultural worker program. The report proposed changes to be made in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The H-2A program allows American agricultural employers to hire foreign workers to perform full time temporary or seasonal work on farms in the United States. These workers are normally paid the highest of the AEWR, prevailing wage rate or the applicable federal or State Minimum Wage (SMW). However, on February 13, 2008, the DOL had made certain proposals to change the method of determination of AEWR. The final action of the proposals is expected in November 2008. According to the rule, the AEWR is calculated from the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, which is prepared by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the DOL and State Workforce Agencies.

For further information, please click CRS Report on H-2A Program