29 CFR §502.16
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
Whenever the Secretary believes that the H-2A provisions of the INA or these regulations have been violated such action shall be taken and such proceedings instituted as deemed appropriate, including (but not limited to) the following:
- (a)Institute appropriate administrative proceedings, including: The recovery of unpaid wages, including wages owed to U.S. workers as a result of a layoff or displacement prohibited by these rules (either directly from the employer, a successor in interest, or in the case of an H-2ALC also by claim against any surety who issued a bond to the H-2ALC); the enforcement of covered provisions of the work contract as set forth in 29 CFR 501.10(a); the assessment of a civil money penalty; reinstatement; or the recommendation of debarment for up to 3 years.
- (b)Petition any appropriate District Court of the U.S. for temporary or permanent injunctive relief, including the withholding of unpaid wages and/or reinstatement, to restrain violation of the H-2A provisions of the INA, 20 CFR part 655, Subpart B, or these regulations by any person.
- (c)Petition any appropriate District Court of the U.S. for specific performance of covered contractual obligations.