Sun Valley Orchards is a fourth-generation family farm in southern New Jersey run by two brothers: Joe and Russell Marino. They grow a variety of fresh vegetables, including peaches, peppers, squash, eggplant, cucumbers and asparagus.
During the 2015 harvest season, the Marinos decided for the first time to participate in the Department of Labor’s H-2A visa program, which allows farms to bring migrant immigrant labor into the United States to fill agricultural jobs.
Thanks mostly to a simple paperwork error, the Marinos are fighting against $550,000 in penalties. IJ is representing them in suit that challenges the unconstitutional system DOL crafted to enforce the rules it writes.
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Fines and Fees | Private Property
Family Farm Facing Ruinous Fines for Paperwork Mistake Sues Agency that Acts as Prosecutor, Judge and Jury
In 2016, the Department of Labor demanded $550,000 from a family farm in southern New Jersey. In their case, the agency served as prosecutor, judge, and jury, and the agency won every time. The brothers…