My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: New York

I met a girl who had to turn down a job opportunity here because she is already employed (on a tourist visa, therefore illegally) by a company which forbids her to work with other companies for 2 years. Breach of contract will incur a $25k settlement fee and payment for all legal costs.

I'm no lawyer, but I laughed because my first reaction was "they can't enforce this - you're working for them illegally!" Indeed, they actually pay her boyfriend, a US citizen who volunteered to go on their payroll so that they could pay her through him. But the contract that she signed with them is in her name, a foreign national on a tourist visa, who is not officially on their payroll.

Any confirmation that the contract she signed with them is junk?

Thanks.