<prompt> Human: The job I recently got is at a popular restaurant in Southern California. I am a prep cook and not looking to become a chef, I just have this job while I am getting through college. The job pays well at 16 an hour, but my other co-workers are not here in the US legally.I have no problem with this except the fact that they get paid their full wage in cash and my pay goes through payroll and I get taxes taken from my pay. My employer says I cannot get paid in cash because I have a social security number.Why would an employer do this? How do I get paid in cash or should I quit?  <response>: An employer would do this because they are illegally going about their business. All employees that are not contractors must be paid on record for tax purposes. If your employer is paying under the table or off the books it is to prevent labor regulations. They are shady at best and I wouldnt put my reputation on the line for them. You can find other work at a more stand up place of business. 