As an undocumented worker, you may worry about causing any type of disturbance or rocking the boat at all at work. You need your job, so you may allow things to slide.
The Illinois Attorney General explains that you should not allow employers to mistreat you because you have all the rights of a worker who is documented or a citizen.
Misunderstanding
It is a common misunderstanding that if you are undocumented that you have no rights. This is untrue. Illinois law says that once an employer hires you, you have all the rights of any other worker. This includes the right to proper pay.
General rules
You have the right to earn at least the minimum wage. You also have protections against discrimination, and you should get paid for every hour you work. Your employer must also pay rightfully earned overtime.
Protection
If your employer is not treating you fairly or is breaking the law, you also have the right to report that to a government agency. In doing so, you will gain protection against retaliation.
Even if you are undocumented, you are providing your time and energy to a job. You deserve the pay you earn, and employers should not punish you or take advantage of you because of your immigration status. It is your right to report bad behavior and unscrupulous practices, and in doing so, you not only will get what your employer owes to you but you also will provide protection for everyone else at your workplace. Do not let fears about immigration issues stop you from seeking fair pay.
