The recent fires in Los Angeles, California, have left regrettable damage, destroying homes and evicting thousands of people; however, support from various parties was forthcoming and the immigrant community was present from the efforts to put out the fire, to the labor for reconstruction, which would not be possible without this sector of the American population, experts expressed during a briefing heldfor Ethnic Media Services.
President Donald Trump's speech has generated fear and uncertainty among the immigrant community, as they fear mass deportations, but also for the well-being of their own lives.
And although immigrants are the backbone of the American economy, becoming a key part of many sectors, such as construction and other relevant basic services, hate speech does not stop.
Yet, in the Los Angeles fires, as has been the case in every catastrophe in the United States, immigrants were hard at work from day one, as well as in the clean-up tasks, since effective recovery will be key not only for the people who lost their homes, but also for the insurance sector and the economy in general.
During the session, it was said that business leaders have been looking for ways to avoid being affected by low employee attendance due to fear of deportations, trying to cushion some of the impetus of mass deportation plans, given that many industries are already at a point of worker shortage.
Nik Theodore, a professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois Chicago, said that the anti-immigrant rhetoric is real, as it is not only heard, but is also experienced through the fear and insecurity it has generated among communities. This rhetoric is seen in the workplace, as employees are now afraid to complain about low pay, long hours or poor conditions, which is putting the safety of workers at risk.
Pablo Alvarado, executive co-director of NDLON, the National Network of Day Laborer Organizations, said that there are 70 day laborer centers in the country, and every time there is a climate catastrophe, these centers are activated and become information centers and support for the community.
“The work centers have become a great support, every day around 500 people come for donations, the center serves around a thousand people daily, it is probably the largest community operation that has responded to a disaster in the area,” said Alvarado.
He also commented that in times of crisis, it is when you can see who you can count on, it is when support is most needed and currently migrants are the first to offer support, since today they manage 15 brigades that are throughout the city that are cleaning.
“There is no way Los Angeles can be rebuilt without the essential force of migrants, they have always been important, before the pandemic, during and after, that is why they are needed now more than ever and it would be impossible without immigrant workers,” Alvarado concluded.
Anabella Bastida, director of Membership and Membership Services for the coalition for the Human Rights of Immigrants of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), said that she is working together with the Mexican consulates to obtain the necessary support for those who require it.
Bastida has experienced first-hand the immigrant community that comes to the United States to work, making a positive contribution to the country. In the face of disasters, she recognizes the solidarity of people who, regardless of their country of origin, have come forward to donate diapers, water, food and other things to support those affected.
Jennie Murray, president and CEO of the National Immigration Forum, said many fields of employment rely on immigrants, including caregivers, the construction industry, agriculture and more.
In addition to the fires, Bastida spoke about the preparations for the Olympic Games, where immigrants will be an essential part of the great work that will be carried out, which is why it is impossible to make it possible.
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