On May 11, 2021, FBI agents were at a Hindu Temple in New Jersey that was built under the organization of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). There is a lawsuit filed against BAPS for human trafficking and wage law violations. The workers came to New Jersey under R-1 visas. There are later claims of workers being severely underpaid and being monitored, told they were not allowed to leave. Last month, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development issued a stop-work order against a construction company, one of whose projects was the BAPS temple in New Jersey.
It is necessary for religious organizations and those that are in the United States on religious visas to follow all visa terms and conditions, federal rules, and local ordinances.
If you have any questions about this or have other immigration-related questions, please be sure to contact an ILBSG attorney today to Get the Right Advice.
