Under Paid, Over Worked – The Labor Trafficking Problem And Hostile Work Environment
If you or someone you know is a non-citizen of the United States working in OPT F-1 status, as a J-1 Au-pair, or is an undocumented worker who is subject to a hostile or toxic work environment, please know you have rights. Our Immigration lawyers have processed T Visas for over 20 years. Labor laws and Trafficking laws not only protect non citizens, but in some cases reporting intolerable work conditions to the proper authorities may be a path to U.S. Permanent Resident Status. Let me explain…
The United States takes a strong stand against Labor trafficking; and foreign nationals working in the United States may seek protection under the T visa laws. Our immigration lawyers have filed T visas along with Green card applications for many individuals subject to abuse by his or her employer.
It is important to not fear leaving a toxic work environment due to threats against one’s status such as deportation.
Here is a list of red flags to watch for regarding possible labor trafficking:
. Were there false promises by the employer about work conditions, hours and pay?
. Is there Harassment or discrimination on the job?
. Is a foreign national’s medical, mental health or overall well being…ignored or un-accommodated by an employer
. Have threats been made against one’s immigration status if someone speaks out against improper work conditions
. Are there any threats of harm involved
. Finally is there any debt and financial obligation that’s owed to the employer should an individual leave their job.
It is important to note that a U.S. employer does not have to be the person who actually moved a non-citizen worker across the border for T visa protections to apply; and even if an employee initially consents to a hostile work environment this does not affect one’s ability to apply for T visa protection.
It’s important to meet with experienced immigration counsel before taking any action; especially in such a sensitive area as labor trafficking. Professionals, skilled or unskilled workers may all seek T visa status when necessary.
Thanks for listening, and helping raise awareness amongst temporary workers in the United States that there is never a reason for anyone to tolerate abusive work conditions, and standing up for oneself may in contrast result in a grant of Permanent resident status in the United States.
We have successfully processed these U.S. immigration matters for over 25 years. To schedule a consultation, you may email us at info@becapitallaw.com or call / text (703)966-0907. B&E Capital – Vassell Law Group,PC | http://www.vasselllaw.com | http://www.becapitallaw.com | Members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association for over 20 years.