Understanding Your Rights as an Immigrant Worker
Be Prepared & Stay Protected — May 21, 2025
Last Wednesday, May 14, Illinois Workers in Action joined our bi-weekly livestream to inform workers—especially immigrant workers—of their rights in the workplace. Whether you’re undocumented, have a work permit, or are just starting your first summer job, you are protected by law.
TRP Digital Organizer Sara and Illinois Workers in Action Community Outreach Coordinator Maríajose joins Immigration Update Host & TRP Community Organizer Laura for the latest livestream session to discuss immigrant workers rights.
Worker Protections You Should Know
Many workers—especially immigrants—face unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or harassment and may fear speaking up. But you do have rights, regardless of your immigration status:
Your Rights on the Job:
You must be paid at least minimum wage and receive overtime pay (time-and-a-half for any hours over 40/week).
You are entitled to rest breaks and a safe work environment.
Sexual harassment and discrimination are illegal.
You have the right to report unsafe conditions or wage theft, without fear of retaliation.
Minimum Wage in Illinois:
Statewide: $15.00/hour (non-tipped workers)
Chicago: $16.20/hour (non-tipped), $11.02/hour (tipped workers)
If you’re not being paid fairly, you can file a complaint, even if you’re undocumented.
What If Immigration (ICE) Shows Up?
There’s been an uptick in immigration enforcement in other states, but Illinois has not seen increased ICE activity recently. Still, it’s important to be prepared.
If ICE Comes to Your Job:
Do not run.
You have the right to remain silent.
Do not show false documents.
Your employer is not legally required to confirm who works there or help ICE agents locate people, even if they have a warrant.
Can My Employer Call ICE on Me?
An employer can report someone to ICE, but it is illegal to do so in retaliation—especially after a worker complains about unpaid wages or poor conditions. If this happens to you:
Document everything.
Seek legal help immediately.
You may be eligible for immigration relief or protections.
Need Help?
If you think your rights are being violated, you are not alone. There are organizations across Illinois offering free or low-cost support in multiple languages.
Get connected:
Call 311 (in Chicago)
File online via the Illinois Department of Labor
Visit: 🌐 IllinoisImmigrationInfo.org – updated regularly with resources, legal services, and know your right information
Follow Illinois Workers in Action and message them on social media for more info or to request a Know Your Rights presentation for your workplace or school:
✊ You have the right to be safe and treated fairly at work—no matter where you’re from or what your status is. Let’s stand together to protect those rights.
