Opinion ID: 449221
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Whether DOL Exceeds Its Consultative Role.

Text: 29 The INA provides for consultation with appropriate agencies before the granting of H-2 petitions. INS has by regulation provided for consultation with DOL to determine whether labor market shortages justify importing seasonal workers. VAGA claims that DOL goes beyond this delegation to usurp INS's power in mandating a continuing preference for domestic workers. Even if the 50% rule is consistent with the INA, in other words, VAGA argues that it is for INS and not DOL to enact such a provision. 30 We find no merit in this argument. Proof that DOL remains within its consultative role is the simple fact that both INS and DOL regulations reserve for INS the ultimate decision on any petition to admit H-2 foreign seasonal workers. INS regulations provide that, on DOL notice that a certification cannot be made, the employer may present INS with countervailing evidence that qualified persons in the United States are not available and that the employment policies of the Department of Labor have been observed. 8 C.F.R. Sec. 214.2(h)(3)(i). DOL regulations provide that the employer has a right to contest any denial of a certification before the INS pursuant to 8 C.F.R. 214.2(h)(3)(i). 20 C.F.R. Sec. 655.201(c). Further, the possible denial of such a commendation to INS is DOL's only means of inducing petitioning employers to abide by their certification assurances. 20 C.F.R. Sec. 655.210(b). 31 INS has countenanced the present 50% rule or a similar one since 1964. Indeed, Sec. 602.10(i)(3)(iv) of DOL's 1964 H-2 regulations imposed an even more extensive obligation on employers, requiring an assurance that whenever domestic workers become available for jobs in which foreign workers are employed, the domestic workers must be given preference. 29 Fed.Reg. 19,10 1 (1964). INS has for over twenty years made no effort to have DOL change its H-2 regulations, but has relied instead on DOL's labor market expertise and advice. These observations confirm our conclusion that DOL has not usurped any INS authority, but has performed the consultative role that the statute intended. 32