How to Report Labor Abuses Against Foreign Workers in the United States

Your Rights as a Foreign Worker in the US

Whether you are here on a temporary work visa, on OPT, or in another status, you are protected by federal and state labor laws. Employers cannot legally threaten to report workers to immigration authorities as a way to suppress wage complaints, prevent unionization, or coerce compliance with illegal demands. Reporting an employer's labor violations does not by itself jeopardize your immigration status — there are specific laws protecting workers who report violations.

If you are in immediate danger anywhere in the US, call 911. Tell the operator the emergency, your location, and the number you are calling from. Ask for an interpreter if needed.

USCIS — H-1B and H-2B Fraud

USCIS maintains dedicated email addresses for reporting H-1B and H-2B program fraud or abuse. American workers and foreign workers who suspect they or others may be victims of fraud or abuse can submit tips, alleged violations, and other information directly:

• H-1B abuse: ReportH1BAbuse@uscis.dhs.gov — see also the USCIS H-1B fraud page
• H-2B abuse: ReportH2BAbuse@uscis.dhs.gov — see also the USCIS H-2B fraud page
• General immigration benefit fraud: Use the USCIS online tip form

Department of Labor — Wage and Hour Violations

DOL's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) enforces wage and labor standards protecting US and foreign workers, including H-1B, H-2A, and H-2B wage obligations. To report an alleged violation:

• Toll-free (WHD): 1-866-487-9243 (TDD for deaf/hard of hearing: 1-877-889-5627). Live interpreters available in many languages.
• How to File a Complaint (WHD)
• To report H-1B employer violations specifically, file Form WH-4

DOJ Immigrant and Employee Rights Section — Anti-Discrimination

IER (Immigrant and Employee Rights Section) of the Civil Rights Division enforces INA §1324b, which prohibits citizenship status discrimination, national origin discrimination, unfair documentary practices during I-9 verification, and retaliation:

• Worker hotline: 1-800-255-7688 (TDD 1-800-237-2515). Many languages available.
• Filing a Charge with IER · Email: ier@usdoj.gov

ICE Homeland Security Investigations — Worksite Enforcement

ICE/HSI investigates employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers, commit document fraud, engage in money laundering, or use force, threats, or coercion to keep unauthorized workers from reporting substandard wages or conditions:

• Toll-free: 1-866-347-2423 (US and Canada). English and Spanish.
• Online HSI Tip Form

EEOC — Employment Discrimination

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40+), disability, or genetic information:

• Toll-free: 1-800-669-4000 (TDD 1-800-669-6820). Many languages.
• Filing a Charge with the EEOC · Email: info@eeoc.gov

NLRB — Collective Rights

The National Labor Relations Board safeguards employees' rights to organize and prevents unfair labor practices by private sector employers and unions. Toll-free: 1-844-762-6572.

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking involves force, fraud, or coercion to obtain labor or commercial sex acts. If you or someone you know may be a victim:

• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888, or text "HELP" or "INFO" to 233733 (BeFree)
• Submit a tip online at the NHTRC
• DHS Blue Campaign: dhs.gov/blue-campaign
• FBI Civil Rights program: 1-800-225-5324; also handles domestic and international sex trafficking and forced labor cases