OUR POLICY SOLUTION
A dedicated Office for Undocumented and Legally Vulnerable Workers
We propose creating a specialized office within the U.S. Department of Labor to improve access to wage-recovery support for workers who face additional barriers. The office would complement, not replace, the Department's existing Wage and Hour Division.
Institutional practice 01
Expedited wage services
Create a priority-review pathway for claims involving urgent financial hardship, with clear service standards and regular status updates. Priority review would not guarantee a particular outcome or deadline.
Institutional practice 02
Bilingual case navigation
Offer English- and Spanish-speaking navigators who explain forms, help workers understand the process, and connect them with appropriate services.
Institutional practice 03
Transparent case tracking
Provide secure ways to check case status, understand next steps, and receive updates in a preferred language.
Institutional practice 04
Community and legal referrals
Build partnerships with worker centers, trusted community organizations, and qualified legal-service providers.
Institutional practice 05
Retaliation information and referrals
Explain protections against retaliation and connect workers with the right agency if they face threats, discrimination, or punishment for asserting their rights.
Institutional practice 06
Public accountability
Publish regular, privacy-protective reports on processing times, language access, referrals, and wage recovery outcomes.