ICE Came to Your Workplace: 5 Things You Should Do and 3 Things You Should Not Do
As an attorney with experience in labor and immigration law in New York and New Jersey, I have represented many workers who faced difficult situations during unexpected visits from ICE at their workplaces. These operations, known as workplace raids, can be traumatic, especially for undocumented workers. But it is important to know that immigration cannot […]
Demolition Workers: Why They Make You Sign as a “Contractor” When You Are an Employee
In the world of construction and demolition, it is common to hear stories of workers hired for a project only to discover that, on paper, they appear as “independent contractors.” This practice, known as misclassification, is not a simple administrative mistake. In many cases, it is a strategy used by employers to reduce costs at […]
The Future of DACA and Its Impact on Young Workers
In recent years, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has become a central issue in the immigration debate in the United States. Today, hundreds of thousands of young people, known as Dreamers, depend on this temporary relief not only to remain in the country but also to work legally and contribute to the economy. However, […]
Can I Be Deported for Suing My Employer?
One of the most frequent questions among immigrant workers, especially those without regular immigration status, is: “Can I be deported if I sue my employer?” The fear is understandable: many employers use the threat of calling immigration as an intimidation tool to prevent employees from claiming unpaid wages or other labor rights. This article clarifies […]
How to Protect Your Rights if You Work With an ITIN or Borrowed Papers
Many immigrants in the United States face the same situation: they need to work but do not have employment authorization. In those cases, some use an ITIN, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or even borrowed documents to access a job. The most common fear is believing that, because they do not have regular immigration status or […]
What Happens if My Work Permit Expires While I Am Still Employed?
For many immigrants in the United States, the work permit, or EAD, is the key to working legally, supporting their families, and building a more stable future. However, a common fear is: what happens if my permit expires while I am still working? This article explains your rights, risks, and steps to take if you […]
Can I Sue My Employer if I Worked With a Different Name or Documents?
In the United States, many immigrants face a difficult reality: to obtain work, they sometimes use a different name, a borrowed Social Security number, or even documents that do not belong to them. This creates a frequent question: do I lose my labor rights if I worked with different papers? The answer is no. Even […]
Can I Collect Unemployment if I Do Not Have Papers?
One of the most common questions we receive in our office is: what happens if I lose my job and do not have papers? Can I apply for unemployment? The short answer is no. To receive unemployment benefits in the United States, the applicant must meet certain requirements, and one of the most important is […]
Working With an ITIN: What Every Immigrant Should Know
When an immigrant arrives in the United States, one of the first questions is how to work and file taxes without having a Social Security number (SSN). This is where the ITIN, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, comes in. However, it is common to confuse it with a work permit or an SSN, which can create […]
The Industries Where Immigrants Are Most Exploited and How to Defend Yourself
Labor exploitation of immigrants remains a serious problem in the United States. Many workers arrive hoping to find stable employment and improve their families’ quality of life, but instead face unfair conditions: excessive hours, low wages, lack of breaks, and, in many cases, discriminatory treatment. This abuse occurs in different areas, but there are three […]