I was laid off during the summer from my position, and since then, I haven't received about four months of unpaid wages along with my severance, which remains unpaid as well. This situation came to a head just as I was about to confront my employer about the missed paychecks. To make matters worse, I discovered that the CEO has been misclassifying me and my colleagues as 1099 employees when we should have been W-2s. As a new immigrant, I'm feeling quite lost about my next steps. Fortunately, my immigration status isn't tied to this job, but I still need to take action. The CEO has been using company funds for personal expenses, including paying his girlfriend's salary while neglecting to pay me. He has also been buying her expensive gifts and has been involved in questionable financial practices, including using his personal bank account for company expenses. Despite the company's financial troubles, he keeps assuring me that he will pay me soon and even mentioned a potential new project that he claims he needs me for. I have some leverage since I'm the only one who can assist him with this project due to my connections. However, I want to protect myself legally. The company is based out of state, but the CEO is in California, and I reside in Texas. I've asked him for a written payment plan, which he seemed surprised by. I do have a signed employment contract and a layoff notice that acknowledges my hard work and states that my termination was without cause. I'm running low on savings and can't afford a legal consultation right now, so I'm seeking advice on what my first steps should be.
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