In 1979, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico brought suit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, challenging the actions of East Coast apple growers in recruiting and employing foreign workers during the apple harvest season. Puerto Rico alleged that the apple growers violated the Wagner-Peyser Act and the Immigration and Nationality Act by hiring foreign workers instead of citizens of Puerto Rico, who should have been given priority in employment as they were U.S. citizens

Apple growers moved to dismiss the case, arguing that plaintiff lacked standing to bring the action. The District Court (Chief Judge Turk) granted the motion, holding that Puerto Rico did not have standing under the doctrine of parens patriae to bring suit. Com. of Puerto Rico ex rel. Quiros v. Alfred L. Snapp & Son, Inc., 469 F.Supp. 928 (W.D.Va. 1979) Puerto Rico appealed. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed. Com. of Puerto Rico ex rel. Quiros v. Alfred L. Snapp & Sons, Inc., 632 F.2d 365 (4th Cir. 1980).

Certiorari was granted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Alfred L. Snapp & Son, Inc. v. Puerto Rico, 454 U.S. 1079, 102 S.Ct. 631, 70 L.Ed.2d 612 (1981). The Fourth Circuit decision was affirmed. Alfred L. Snapp & Son, Inc. v. Puerto Rico, ex rel., Barez, 458 U.S. 592, 102 S.Ct. 3260, 73 L.Ed.2d 995(1982).

It is unknown what happened to the case upon remand to the District Court.

Dan Dalton - 12/10/2007


compress summary