Combating Abuses Against Foreign-born Workers

A considerably greater share of immigrants and refugees–especially undocumented workers and Black refugees–serve as essential workers than U.S.-born workers. An estimated 69 percent of immigrants in the U.S. labor force and 74 percent of undocumented workers are deemed essential. However, industries with higher percentages of foreign-born workers are plagued by higher rates of wage theft, exploitation, and abuse than other sectors. In this session, we will gain insight into how worker justice groups in the South are building power for immigrant workers in this challenging context.