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 asylum seeker who may be subject to a hostile or toxic work environment, please know you have rights. 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 unaccommodated 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.