Unfortunately, undocumented migrants are subject to far more abuse than people with legal immigration status. It's very common for them to be underpaid, forced to work in unsanitary conditions, or forced to work in environments that put their lives at risk.
Many work environments create unfair, low-paying, and unsafe conditions in the labor market, perpetuating illegal and inhumane acts by employers toward migrants, who are often afraid to report abuses for fear of deportation or immigration retaliation.
However, this will no longer be the case, as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that undocumented workers who are victims or witnesses of labor rights violations can now report them without fear of legal retaliation and can request deferred action, which protects workers from threats by employers.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stated that through these new efforts, and with the support of labor agencies, it will be possible to protect the dignity of the workers who drive the American economy, the U.S. labor market, and workplace conditions. *U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
This new measure is also expected to encourage many workers to assert their rights by reporting violations they have suffered or observed and to cooperate in investigations of labor standards.
How can you apply?
In order to submit the application, the worker must:
- Complete a written request signed by the worker.
- Letter from employment agency supporting the application
- Evidence about the case
- Identification tests
- Attach the 3 required forms.
Thanks to this new measure, people who are granted deferred action may be eligible for employment authorization, provided they demonstrate financial need.
Source: USCIS