Labor Commissioner Farley Issued Statement In Support Of Proposed Federal Rule To Protect American Workers

This week, Republican Labor Commissioner Luke Farley officially submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor over a proposed federal rule to modernize the methodology for determining prevailing wage levels in the permanent labor certification of H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visa programs.

In a key quote from his letter, Farley said, “I write as the elected Commissioner of Labor for the State of North Carolina. One of only four elected commissioners of labor in the country, I have a constitutional responsibility to look after North Carolina’s more than five million workers. Right now, our workers are being hurt by foreign visa programs that depress wages.”

Farley highlighted long-standing issues with the current system, including loopholes that allow some employers to fill jobs at wage levels below market rates — contributing to downward pressure on wages and fewer opportunities for North Carolina and American workers.

The proposed rule aims to ensure wages more accurately reflect market conditions across visa programs.

“In North Carolina, we believe in the dignity of work, fair competition, and putting our people first. We welcome reform that moves these programs back toward their proper purpose and away from abuse. I support the proposed rule,” Farley wrote.