Supreme Court case could impact farmworker protections across Arizona

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - A case headed to the U.S. Supreme Court could change how labor protections for farmworkers are enforced nationwide, including in Arizona farming communities like Yuma County.

The case involves Sun Valley Orchards, a New Jersey farm accused of violating rules tied to the H-2A guest worker program. The Supreme Court will decide whether labor violation cases should continue to be handled through the Department of Labor’s internal system or move through federal courts instead.

Farmworker advocates say the outcome could have major consequences for workers reporting unsafe conditions.

“Farmworkers rely on the good faith of their employers as protections,” said Jazmin Moreno, a farmworker advocate with Agave Threads.

Moreno said she worries requiring more cases to go through federal courts could slow enforcement and discourage workers from speaking out.

“Here comes another barrier for them to have a stable work environment and dignity at their workplace,” Moreno said. “Farmworkers across the country are continuously exploited and met with unsafe working conditions.”

She said farmworkers she has spoken with in Yuma are often afraid to report problems out of fear of deportation or losing housing tied to their jobs.

“We know that with the specific visa that H-2A workers are tied to their employer,” Moreno said. “Violations are rampant because who is going to go against the people who feed you, clothe you and give you a roof?”

The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments later this year, with a ruling anticipated by mid-2027.