By the TimesLedger
How does a compassionate society protect the rights of immigrant laborers who in many, if not most, cases are in this country illegally? Hardliners waving flags purchased on Sept. 12 argue that all illegal immigrants are a threat to the security of this nation. They would have INS card the workers who gather on Roosevelt Avenue waiting to be picked up by contractors. Those who don’t have the proper papers would be deported.
Supporters of the day laborers say they play an important role in our economy doing the work that New Yorkers don’t want to do. They note that these immigrant workers come from some of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere and that they send much of what they earn to the families that they left behind. They argue that it is the workers who need protection from unscrupulous employers who may refuse to pay them for their work, knowing that there is nothing that the workers can do.
In Long Island an effort was made to use taxpayer money to build a shelter for the day laborers. But this was shot down by residents who objected to using tax dollars to provide services for illegal immigrants.
The problem of the day laborers is compounded by Woodside residents and businessmen who say the workers become a nuisance and a threat when they are not lucky enough to find work. It is not hard to believe that young men standing on a street corner for long hours could get into mischief.
There are no easy solutions. In this complex situation, it might be best for government to step aside. The churches and immigrant organizations should step up to the plate creating comfortable and safe locations for the young men to gather. At the same time, they should serve as a mediator between the community and the workers, explaining the concerns of area residents.
The workers should be treated with fairness and compassion. Those who know the value of hard work should take their hats off to men who willing sacrifice themselves in a strange land so that their families might have a better future.
