In our society, where our workforce so heavily relies on immigrant labor, it is ironic that immigrants are at the same time scapegoated and blamed for societies problems. What is exactly “the root problem”? We live in a society that exploits the low income and working classes. The exploitation of the most vulnerable that are unable to fight back. In this case, it is immigrant workers, in particular, undocumented workers. The recent anti-immigrant climate, coupled with increased deportations, has created a culture of fear in regards to reporting working conditions.
Working conditions for workers have long been known to be unhealthy and safe. Undocumented workers are particularly vulnerable because they fear retribution if they report violations. Employers can use a worker’s citizenship status to threaten them. Immigrant women’s reproductive health is often uniquely threatened by these working conditions, as pesticides and other chemicals used in agriculture and manufacturing can have serious affects on her reproductive health.
NLIRH stands with all immigrant women as part of the National Coalition for Immigrant Women’s Rights.
It’s not too late to get involved in the Week of Action!
Join NLIRH today Thursday August 4 in our Washington D.C. Office for a documentary film screening of “Made in LA”, which follows three fierce Latinas working and organizing for better working conditions in garment factories in Los Angeles.
This documentary will open dialogue for the discussion following the film.
For more information about the rights of all workers, regardless of immigration status, Check out this pamphlet from the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.
By Heather Ramirez, Development and Communications Intern
