Los Angeles Immigrant Worker Harassment

Imagine being afraid to speak up about workplace mistreatment because you fear losing your job—or worse, facing immigration-related retaliation. Unfortunately, this is a daily reality for countless immigrant workers in California. Immigrant employees are disproportionately affected by workplace harassment, with studies showing they are more likely to face bullying, discriminatory policies, and exploitative practices due to their immigration status or cultural background.

No one should have to choose between their livelihood and their dignity. FLG is here to ensure you don’t have to.

What is Immigrant Workplace Harassment?

Immigrant workplace harassment refers to unlawful behaviors targeting workers based on their national origin, immigration status, or cultural identity. It can include offensive comments, threats of deportation, unequal treatment, or denial of workplace rights and benefits. This harassment creates a hostile work environment and often forces employees into silence due to fear of retaliation.

At Fraigun Law Group, we know that harassment can feel isolating. Marina Fraigun has fought tirelessly for individuals like you, helping immigrant workers hold their employers accountable for their harmful actions.

Unfair Workplace Practices Targeting Immigrant & Migrant Workers

Immigrant workers may encounter specific forms of harassment and discrimination, including but not limited to:

• Threatening deportation or reporting to immigration authorities.
• Refusing promotions or equal pay based on perceived immigration status.
• Singling out workers for unfair treatment due to their accent, cultural attire, or language.
• Denying lunch breaks, overtime pay, or sick leave while providing these rights to others.
• Retaliating against those who complain or raise concerns about workplace abuse.

Such actions aren’t just unethical—they’re illegal under California law.

Immigrant Worker Harassment Protections & Laws

California enforces some of the nation’s strongest protections against workplace harassment, including specific safeguards for immigrant workers who are particularly vulnerable to mistreatment. These protections ensure that immigrants, regardless of their immigration status, have legal recourse and can work in environments free from harassment and exploitation. Key laws include:

California Fair Employment & Housing Act (FEHA):

Prohibits harassment, including sexual harassment, based on protected characteristics such as national origin, immigration status, race, and ancestry. FEHA requires employers with 5 or more employees to prevent and address harassment, extending these protections to immigrant workers in all industries.

California Government Code § 12940(h):

Prohibits retaliation against employees who report harassment or participate in investigations, ensuring immigrant workers can voice concerns without fear of losing their jobs or facing other forms of retribution.

California Labor Code Section 1019:

Makes it illegal for employers to threaten to report a worker’s immigration status to authorities as retaliation for reporting harassment or asserting workplace rights. This protection is particularly critical for immigrant workers who might otherwise hesitate to come forward.

California Labor Code Section 244:

Explicitly states that immigration status is irrelevant to claims under California’s employment laws, including harassment cases. This ensures that all workers, regardless of status, are entitled to protections under state law.

Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices (IRUEP):

Provisions under federal and state law prohibit discrimination based on citizenship or immigration status. Employers cannot use immigration status as leverage to silence victims of harassment or deny equal treatment in the workplace.

California Assembly Bill 263 & Senate Bill 666:

Discrimination against pregnant employees or those returning from maternity leave includes unjust firing, demotions, or denial of accommodations such as additional breaks or light-duty assignments.

California Assembly Bill 1510 (2019):

Requires harassment training to address protections specific to immigrant workers, including language barriers and cultural considerations that may affect reporting or understanding of workplace rights.

California Trafficking Victims Protection Act:

Provides additional protections for immigrant workers who may have been coerced into labor through threats of deportation or other immigration-related abuse.

Additional Resources for Immigrant Workers

California supports immigrant workers through multiple state agencies and organizations dedicated to ensuring workplace fairness:

• California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH): Offers multilingual resources to help immigrant workers understand their rights and file harassment complaints.
• California Labor Commissioner’s Office: Protects immigrant workers from retaliation and provides assistance with wage theft, harassment claims, and unsafe working conditions.
• Legal Aid Services: Many nonprofit organizations in California provide free or low-cost legal assistance to immigrant workers facing harassment or other workplace violations.

These robust protections ensure that immigrant workers, often vulnerable to exploitation and harassment, have the same legal rights and resources as any other employee. Employers are held accountable for creating safe and equitable workplaces, while immigrant workers are empowered to report violations without fear of retaliation or deportation.

By enforcing these laws, California continues to set a national standard for workplace fairness and inclusivity.

How Do I Know if My Rights Have Been Violated?

If you’ve been treated differently, denied opportunities, or faced harassment because of your immigration status or cultural background, your rights may have been violated. Red flags include being subjected to offensive comments about your ethnicity, being excluded from workplace opportunities, or experiencing retaliation after reporting unfair treatment.

What to Do If You Think You’re a Victim of Immigrant Workplace Harassment

1. Document everything. Keep a record of incidents, emails, or witnesses that support your case.
2. Report the harassment to your employer or HR department (if safe to do so).
3.Contact an employment attorney like Marina Fraigun to assess your legal options and protect your rights.

At Fraigun Law Group, we know these steps can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to take them alone. Marina is ready to fight for you from day one.

Why Choose Fraigun Law Group For Your Immigrant Workplace Harassment Case?

Marina is known for standing up to some of the biggest corporations and winning. She takes your case personally, applying her tenacity and legal expertise to ensure justice for immigrant workers who’ve been mistreated. Where others see roadblocks, Marina sees opportunities to demand change. She is fearless in court, compassionate in person, and focused on getting results.

Common Questions about Immigrant Workers Facing Workplace Harassment

Take the First Step Toward Justice

Immigrant workers deserve respect, safety, and dignity in the workplace. Marina has spent her career fighting for those whose voices have been ignored. At Fraigun Law Group, we will stand with you, fight for you, and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.

You don’t have to face this alone—contact Fraigun Law Group today.