Latest News

Regardless of the reason why you left your job, everyone has the right to receive their full last paycheck for all hours worked in the United States. 

Yet, when people must leave their job unexpectedly, sometimes they do not receive their last paycheck for their last hours worked. People who are deported from the United States face particular challenges because they often have to go to another country without resolving all their personal affairs in the United States. For example, when a massive raid occurs in a place of employment, many detained workers have to leave their job suddenly and without their last paychecks. These last paychecks are very important to sustain a person or their family who is facing a difficult and unforeseen situation. 

If you find yourself in the situation of not having your last paycheck, be it for deportation or another reason, remember that you have rights under United States law. According to the Fair Labor and Standards Act (FLSA) you have the right to receive payment for all hours worked, regardless of your immigration status or if you find yourself outside the United States. The FLSA requires that by the latest you receive payment on your usually scheduled payment day. Please keep in mind that in some states your employer is required to pay you earlier.  

To exercise your right, you can communicate directly with your ex-employer to explain that under United States law, they must deliver your last paycheck. Below you can find a guide regarding what you can tell your ex-employer through a phone call, message, or email, to demand your right to your last paycheck:

—

Guide:

I ___ [name] worked in ______ [employer] until ____ [last date]. However, as of ____ [current date] I have not received my last paycheck. Under United States law, I have the right to receive my payment for every hour worked. I request that my paycheck be made immediately available to me _____ [in person for pick-up // via mail at this address  ___] 

—

Depending on your situation, it may make sense for someone you authorize to pick up your check, like your partner or a family member. If you’d like to give authorization to someone else, you can request it from your ex-employer. 

Please keep in mind that every situation is different. For example, you may have more labor rights and guarantees depending on the state you work in. For more information on your particular situation, you can call us at Centro de los Derechos del Migrante Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm (CDMX time) from Mexico at 55 9661 6771 or from the United States at 667 217 5738. All our services are free and confidential.

You can find us on Youtube and Facebook, visit and join us in the fight.