Survivors of labor abuse, legislators, business leaders, and rights advocates are celebrating a historic victory: California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed ground-breaking legislation into law following tireless campaigning by Freedom United and partners.
For too long, foreign labor recruiters operated in California without accountability, enabling the unscrupulous to exploit workers from abroad into California’s thriving agriculture sector with little fear of repercussion. Now, California has become the first state in the nation to directly oversee foreign labor recruiters—a huge step forward offering protection to tens of thousands of workers, preventing labor exploitation and human trafficking before it even begins.
Ground-breaking legislation raises the bar
The newly signed law AB 1362 introduced by Assembly member Kalra, requires recruiters of agricultural workers to register with the state and post a bond. These critical safeguards will strengthen protections for the 40,000 to 50,000 farmworkers California recruits each year. Advocates explain that this will create “a vetted system” that hiring companies can trust to keep exploitation out of their supply chains and create a level playing field for responsible recruiters.
Speaking about how these changes will help prevent modern slavery, El Latino reports CIERTO Executive Director Joe Martinez said:
“With this law, incentives for recruiters who deceive are eliminated and responsible businesses are strengthened”
At a time when the federal government has been stripping away protections for immigrant and agricultural workers, California is taking bold leadership. Rights advocates hope this law will serve as a model for the entire country to keep labor abuse and trafficking out of the hiring process whilst protections for many are weakening.
A vital step, but not the last step
This win is especially significant because it didn’t come easy. Freedom United first campaigned in 2021 calling for foreign labor contractors to register and disclose working conditions. That bill passed the legislature but was ultimately vetoed.
Then a similar bill was introduced again by Assemblymember Ash Kalra in March 2025 and co-sponsored by Freedom United, Sunita Jain Anti-Trafficking Initiative, Justice at Last, Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California, and Santa Clara County Wage Theft Coalition.
Whilst the Bill as passed specifically covers agricultural workers, it sets an important precedent and a foundation for broader protections in future legislation. Now recruiters of workers entering under the H-2A visa are required to register with the state and post a bond. These mechanisms ensure all recruiters follow the law.
Thanks to persistent campaigning, relentless advocacy, our partners and the voices of tens of thousands of Freedom United supporters around the world, the bill returned to the Governor’s desk—and this time, it passed.
This is a testament to the power of collective action. Freedom United’s global community played a pivotal role by demanding change, amplifying survivor voices, and proving that every single supporter’s voice matters in the fight to end modern slavery.
While this is a milestone achievement, advocates stress there is more to be done. Particularly on the dissemination of rights and responsibilities. Anti-human trafficking advocates underline that awareness of their rights is critical for workers to know how to protect themselves. Stressing employers must also know the rules for real change to take place. And significant gaps remain as not all temporary workers fall under this visa category. That leaves approximately 300,000 workers still without protection.
Survivor leader Kanti Salgadu, who shared her experience with abusive recruitment practices said:
“This is a vital step, but not the last. We will continue to fight until all temporary workers have access to these protections,”
Freedom United celebrates this historic win
Freedom United is proud to celebrate this enormous step forward alongside survivors, allies, and our incredible supporter community. Together, we’ve made history in California—and together, we’ll keep pushing until every worker is protected and modern slavery is eradicated.
A huge thank you to everyone who took action, raised their voice, and stood with us. This victory belongs to all of us.
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