Articles
Updates (as of June 12, 2026)
NCAE News, Legal/Technical & Other Employer Issues
NCAE to Host Member Webinar on Chairman “GT” Thompson’s New H-2A Reform Legislation
On Thursday, June 25th at 1:00 PM ET, we are hosting an exclusive, member-only briefing: Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act: What Employers Need to Know About Chairman Thompson’s H-2A Reform Bill.
This session will break down the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026 (SAWA)—a transformational piece of legislation recently introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson. We will explore how SAWA aims to offer significant relief to employers navigating today’s complex labor market.
To help us untangle the legislative, policy, and legal implications, we’ve brought together an expert panel of the industry’s top minds:
- John Hollay, President and CEO, NCAE
- Lynn Jacquez, Principal, CJ Lake
- Shawn Packer, Principal, JPH Law
Regulatory Actions
NCAE Submits Comments for Joint Employer Rule
NCAE submitted comments this week for the Department of Labor’s Joint Employer Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The Trump administration’s Department of Labor has proposed a joint-employer NPRM to establish a uniform nationwide standard under the FLSA, FMLA, and MSPA, largely restoring the first Trump Administration’s framework for joint employment.
The proposal aims to provide clarity and limit joint-employer findings—generally focusing on actual control rather than attenuated business relationships. NCAE encourages members to utilize our comments as a template for your own, as both quantity and quality can have an impact. A reminder that public comments are due June 22, 2026.
State Department Proposes New Expedited Visa for B1-B2 Visas
The Department of State published a proposed rule this week that would create a new “expedited” visa fee to guarantee that an appointment is available at certain posts within 10 business days. The fee is on top of the regular DS-160 fee and is being proposed at $750.
Legislative Actions
Chairman Thompson circulates Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act for cosponsorship; Bill to modernize H-2A Program Slated for June Introduction
NCAE is proud to have worked with Chairman GT Thompson and many of our allies across agriculture as he developed the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA). Beginning last Congress, Chairman Thompson created the H-2A Working Group which identified the key reforms needed to ensure that the H-2A was modernized to meet the growing labor needs of American agriculture.
Together with our partners at the Agricultural Workforce Coalition (AWC), we have worked to bring SAWA from concept to draft legislation, but to make it the law, but we need your help. As Chairman Thompson prepares to introduce the legislation later this month, he has enlisted the support of the AWC, and its member organizations like NCAE, to help build the momentum for this legislation.
You can take action today, by adding your name to the support form below. This form is for both organizations and individual businesses. You can also take action today by encouraging your member of the House of Representatives to be an original cosponsor of this legislation!
Litigation Actions
Judge in UFW Case Sets Briefing Schedule
Judge Kirk Sherriff announced a schedule for briefs in the ongoing case filed by the United Farm Workers against the Department of Labor’s AEWR Interim Final Rule. The timeline requires DOL to file before June 17, with all subsequent deadlines for the process occurring before the end of August. A reminder that should DOL move a final rule, these proceedings would be moot.
News Articles of Interest This Week
‘Food Security is National Security’: Rollins Rallies Produce Leaders in D.C.
Uzbekistan’s New Migration Destination? America.
Texas Drops Spanish From Its Truck Driver’s Exam, Making It English-Only
New National Study Reveals The Biggest Challenges Facing Women In Agriculture
Vulnerable Republican plays Trump card in tight House race
Texas reinstates some revoked driver’s licenses, but leaves thousands waiting
CDL fight reignites as DACA recipient petitions FMCSA
The overtime deduction and agriculture: Clearing up the confusion
H-2A Rule Change Puts Spotlight on Work Visa Program
Trump administration $100,000 visa fee for highly skilled foreign workers struck down
Newhouse: Now members want immigrants out
Harvest Replay Technology Helps Specialty Crop Growers Improve Labor Efficiency
Dairy Farmers Take Priorities to Capitol Hill During NMPF Fly-In