Hi Frens,

I really need a suggession here. I used to work for a deshi store. I didn't have papers that time, and I used to work in cash. I have around $3000 to get from that company.

Without even telling any employees they sold the store to another deshi. I tried to call them many times, they didn't pick up the phone. One time, that guy picked up the phone and said, We don't have money and do whatever you can . The new employer is saying he can't pay it either.

Those people hid all the time sheets.

Now I have my SSN and work permit.

What are my options. Please suggest.

Tell them that you were very unfairly treated and that you will publish their full names in sulekha.com and sajha.com so that they think twice before taking advantage of people like you.

Where you located bro? Baaton se Nahin to Laaton sein.

ask a good lawyer dude ...i think you can file case ..but there is a  problem  when you were working,  you were working illegally which matters alot ..so try to ask lawyer ... 3000 is alot dude ..damnnn ..sala dhoti..

One of my friend was in similar situation but the amount was like 3/4 hundred dollars. He was a student and used to work in cash. The store owner denied to pay him and he called police. The police didn't ask for any papers or the status but asked the owner to pay his wage and he got paid. 

Dhurmus has a good point. Both working and employing without proper authorization documents can land both parties in trouble. In your case, the mere threat of taking the legal action should work. You should try telling them that you have prepared to file for the small claims court and just want to see if they are willing to settle before you do that. No need to hire a lawyer. Just go with small claims court. What kind of evidence do you have that you have worked the hours you are claiming but did not get paid for? They can simply say that they paid in cash for everything. You may fax them a letter asking for a payment of whatever is owed. If they respond with the indication that they do owe you that money, that could be your evidence. If they don't respond after numerous attempts, then that could be your evidence too. Since you worked for cash, I don't see how you can prove that you did not get paid for the hours. Just playing a bit of a devil's adovcate here.

Thanks guys for ur inputs.

I am going to that small court thing...............lets see how it works.

yes , dhurmus and newlynew they both are right according to law ...but broo once you filled the case ....if any thing went wrong, the one who gonna be in the most trouble is you ..coz you are just a normal person over here and you can be easily deported ( working illegally is the easiest way to deport ) ..store owner they are have everything to settle; money, paper work , lwayer etc.....and once you came in that situation where they found that you were illegally working..no one can help you brother so ..take step at your own risk ....because just a work permit aint gonna help you ...US runs according to law and regulations.