I just want to say if you got paid under the table and didn't actually get a pay check then you can say that you didn't work (without authorization) at all. But if you did get a pay check then you might want to talk with your student advisor. Try to convince him that you had a problem back home and had to get the money for your tuition thus you didn't have any other options. If possible try to get him to apply for economic hardship which is a temporary work permit you can apply from your college, so you can work legally.

Good luck with your reinstatement buddy. It shouldn't be that bad buddy. Good luck again.