Workers’ Rights

Overview

All people—no matter where we come from or our immigration status—should be paid fairly and be able to work in safe and healthy conditions. Safe workplaces mean employees can report abuse or labor violations without fear of deportation or retaliation by employers.

The National Immigration Law Center fights to empower immigrant workers by advocating for pro-labor policies, providing know-your-rights training and educational materials, and challenging abuse in court.

Why It Matters

Immigrants make up 18.1 percent of the U.S. workforce, filling essential roles in our communities and driving economic growth and employment. Despite their contributions and impact, immigrant workers often experience exploitation and discrimination on the job. This can take the form of wage theft, being exposed to dangerous conditions without necessary protections, being denied opportunities for advancement, and facing employer retaliation if workers speak out. About half of all working immigrants report they have experienced discrimination in the workplace and undocumented workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation because of their status.

Protecting the rights of all workers has an enormous ripple effect. Communities are stronger when their members are able to work with dignity, provide for their loved ones, and prosper.

Examples of Our Work

• We bring lawsuits, seeking remedies for workers whose rights have been violated on the job and holding bad actors accountable.
• We create know-your-rights resources and provide training to ensure that immigrant workers have the necessary information and tools to advocate for themselves.
• We advocate for inclusive laws, policies, and reforms that improve workplaces for everyone, like the Deferred Action for Labor Disputes guidance which empowers immigrant workers to assert their basic rights on the job without fear of retaliation.