How does that work in places with minimum wage? It sounds illegal.

Who is going to enforce the law? How would anyone even find out?

Assuming you're in the U.S., the state or federal labor department. You or anyone else with knowledge of the situation can report it. (The law also covers retaliation by the company against whistleblowers.)

https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/wages/minimumwage

There is no benefit in reporting it. I would lose my job and visa.

What visa are you on? It can’t be the H-1B because that needs prevailing wage. Unless they’re fucking you on that by performing immigration fraud. In which case, holy shit what a clusterfuck you’re in. I’m sorry, man. I feel for you. Hope things get better.

If it’s F-1 OPT or J-1 I get it.

Even a TN would put you in the same place as the H-1B.

The massive amount of paperwork involved in employing someone, for starters. And yes, labor law is enforced.

Have you considered donating an organ to said startup? You know, as a means to stay in the game

Maybe that's the next step.

I would just give up and get some other job with less requirements, but I don't know what that would be. There were a few sales jobs that I was considering.