Who says paying below our minimum wage is exploitative? Au Pairs' income is almost entirely discretionary. Who else from say, South Africa, can stably earn $800+/month of purely discretionary income by watching a couple kids for 30-45 hours a week? The whole deal is a big step up in quality of life for many. If you raise their minimum pay, you will literally lower American demand for Au Pairs, who are generally happy with their end of the deal.