Can I take legal action against the company for a labor violation while on L-1?

Yes, holding an L-1 visa does not strip you of your labor rights. Workers on this visa, like all other workers, are protected by federal and state labor laws in the United States, so pursuing a remedy against the employer in the event of a violation is possible.

What changes is not the right itself but the path to exercising it, which may involve immigration and labor law layers at the same time. Several factors typically weigh on the decision:

• The nature of the violation and the evidence available.
• The jurisdiction in which the incident occurred.
• The potential impact on your immigration status.

Depending on the circumstances, relief may come through labor authorities or through litigation. Because every situation is unique and touches your immigration status, the most prudent step is to seek guidance from both a labor and an immigration attorney before acting, so you avoid decisions that could jeopardize your rights or your stay in the country.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.