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When day laborers do get jobs, it is common for many to be paid far below minimum wage or not at all. The worst cases involve threats of violence, harassment, sexual exploitation and assault. But there are ways for these workers to stay safe.
Thousands have received work permits or temporary protection from deportation for reporting workplace abuse under the Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement. But the future of the program is unclear.
El robo de salarios, los salarios inferiores al mínimo y los enfrentamientos con el personal de seguridad de Home Depot (incluidos agentes del Departamento de Policía de Chicago fuera de servicio) han hecho que el buscar trabajo sea precario para los inmigrantes recién llegados.
Los recién llegados están recurriendo al emprendimiento, a menudo en la venta ambulante o en oficios como la barbería, para proporcionar alimentos a sus familias, ahorrar para una futura vivienda y comenzar una nueva vida en la ciudad.
Plus, how thousands of newly arrived immigrants are finding work and new lives in Chicago
City Bureau interviewed more than 20 recently arrived migrants living in city-run shelters who have faced struggles as they sought out legal pathways to work in Chicago. Here are three of their stories.
City Bureau spoke with more than a dozen migrant day laborers who said wage theft, sub-minimum wage rates, and clashes with Home Depot security personnel — including off-duty Chicago Police Department officers — have made it precarious for them to look for work.
Organizers who work in education, homelessness and housing justice shared several tips on how Chicagoans can get more involved in key local issues affecting our communities in 2025.
