Colo. Judge Denies Class Cert. In Marriott Trafficking Suit

March 24, 2026 · WOWERI

A Colorado federal judge has denied a class certification in a lawsuit against Marriott International, accused of abusing the J-1 visa program. The ruling means the plaintiff cannot represent other workers in the case.

Colorado Judge Denies Class Cert. In Marriott Trafficking Suit

A Colorado federal judge has denied a class certification in a lawsuit against Marriott International, accused of abusing the J-1 visa program. The ruling means the plaintiff cannot represent other workers in the case.

Background

The plaintiff, a Marriott International worker, alleged that the company abused the J-1 program, which allows foreign workers to temporarily work in the US. The plaintiff claimed that Marriott International exploited the program to get cheap labor.

Court Ruling

The Colorado court denied the class certification, citing a lack of evidence that Marriott International systematically abused the J-1 program. The court also noted that the plaintiff failed to provide sufficient evidence that other workers were affected by the program's abuse.

Implications

The court's ruling means the plaintiff cannot represent other workers in the case. However, this does not mean Marriott International cannot be held accountable for J-1 program abuse in the future.

Conclusion

The Colorado court's decision is an important warning for companies that abuse the J-1 program. While the plaintiff was unable to achieve a class certification in this case, it does not mean other workers cannot represent their interests in the future.

Source: law360.com