September 04, 2023

Contact: media@haitianbridge.org

San Diego, California, Monday, September 4, 2023 – Today, we stand together to address the urgent need for livable wages. As we celebrate the invaluable contributions of migrant workers to our communities and economies, we must also confront the stark reality that many of them struggle to make ends meet due to inadequate wages.

Immigrants disproportionately work in jobs that are labeled essential. As of 2020, there were 19.8 million foreign-born “essential workers, working in positions arrayed across sectors and skill-levels. A higher share (69 percent) of all immigrants, and undocumented immigrants (74 percent), are in the essential work categories compared to native-born workers (65 percent).”

In particular, migrant workers are the backbone of industries such as agriculture, hospitality, construction, and caregiving. Foreign-born workers account for more than 1-in-5 of all workers spread across the U.S. food supply chain — growing crops, harvesting fruits and vegetables, processing meat, transporting products and materials, and engaging in wholesale and retail sales.

They often leave their home countries in search of better opportunities and are met with challenging working conditions and wages that do not provide a pathway to economic stability. This Labor Day, we, at Haitian Bridge Alliance raise our voices to demand livable wages for all migrant workers, recognizing that fairness and equity should know no borders.

We call upon employers to acknowledge the indispensable role that migrant workers play in our workforce and to pay them wages that reflect the value of their labor. We also urge Congress to pass legislation to increase the federal minimum wage to ensure it is consistent with the rise of inflation. We must enact inclusive and equitable labor laws that address wage disparities, protect labor rights, and ensure that migrant workers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

A livable wage is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. It means more than just subsistence; it means the ability to provide for one’s family, access healthcare, secure safe housing, and pursue a dignified life. It is a reflection of our commitment to justice and compassion.