Filipino Teachers Brought to US in 'Virtual Servitude'

Union alleges scheme to exploit poor educators

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 28, 2009 5:15 PM CDT

(Newser) – A federal complaint filed by the American Federation of Teachers alleges a scheme to bring Filipino teachers to the US essentially as indentured servants. Two recruiting companies, run by siblings in the Philippines and Los Angeles, are accused of exploiting 300 Filipino teachers by arranging visas and jobs in Louisiana. But they charged an ever-escalating series of hidden fees that put the teachers deeper in debt with no way out in a foreign country, reports USA Today.

The companies, PARS International Placement and Universal Placement International, helped the teachers get their coveted H-1B visas, then held onto them and forced the teachers to pay thousands in fees and inflated rent, the AFT complaint alleges. It uses the term "virtual servitude." The complaint seeks action against the firms, but it also could result in serious repercussions for school districts who turned a blind eye to the abuses.

[Images (1)]

[Quotes (2)]

A federal complaint says Filipino teachers were exploited after accepting jobs in the US. (Shutter Stock)

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I'm very concerned that there are more places like this. Even if it was an isolated incident, it would be horrible, but my hunch right now is that it's not isolated. - AFT chief Randi Weingarten

Here's an opportunity for you to grow and pursue your dreams, get a better profession and a better opportunity for your kids. It would be impractical not to go for it.
- Ingrid Cruz, teacher

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Filipino Teachers Brought to US in 'Virtual Servitude'