Immigrants turn to courts for pay
Suits filed in Nashville vs. firms

By Brandon Gee • Gannett Tennessee • January 25, 2011

NASHVILLE — Immigrants — both legal and illegal — say some American employers fail to pay them for their work and then threaten to deport them if they complain.
But now frustrated immigrants are turning to the federal courts for help.


A review of complaints filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee shows complaints from painters who argue they were denied thousands of dollars in overtime pay to forestry and construction firms that allegedly took advantage of federal guest worker programs to exploit indigent Mexican migrant workers.


“Employers bring (immigration status) up to intimidate people and make them afraid to come forward,â€