Employment Rights in the USA

I'm in New Jersey on an internship for a year. Before I went over I was offered in my offer letter a certain amount of money and hours per week, neither of which I ever get. I came over with quite a bit of money I had saved up however it's running dry now as I'm subsiding the cost of living here. I've talked and written to my employer and sponsor to no avail, all they say is it's due to the economic climate. It is likely I am going to have to go home soon.

Does anyone know if the employer is liable for damages? I'm slightly peeved that I've been taken for a ride, after all they offered me this pay in April when there was already a downturn. I was looking into it online and read somewhere that employers in the state of NJ have the right to alter or terminate a contract unless the contract specifically states that both parties have to agree, and thus I don't have a true contract of employment.

Does it make any difference that the company came over to Ireland to interview? Also they still stick to other parts of the contract that suit them, such as not getting time and a half on national holidays.