Working in the ‘United Slaves’

Working as an illegal in what many Hispanics call the “United Slaves” is not easy. However, despite the dangers, every year thousands of immigrants leave their homes to cross the border pressured by need and poverty.
“I came in through Arizona after walking 48 hours in the desert,” said Genaro P., Mexican father describing his entry into North America. “The sun burned our skin, by the second day; we started losing pieces of skin from the heat.”
Although the path into the United States is full of fear and the latent danger of death, once here, life is not exactly a walk in the park.
“Sometimes they don’t pay fair,” continued Genaro. “On my first job I was earning $60 a day for nine hours. But because I was in need of work, I had to accept. “
Genaro’s story is the same of hundreds of Hispanic workers living in Queens and the rest of the country. While contributing to economic productivity through consumption of American products and services, in exchange for their work, they only receive a daily salary, but not Social Security, health insurance, or retirement benefits.
“I know I pay taxes, but I don’t understand how. Because of my illegal status I cannot invest here,” said Genaro. “I have to invest where I don’t run the risk of being deported. A few years ago I bought some land and cows in Mexico for my retirement. I’ll return to Mexico when I cannot work or I’m wrung by this country . . . unless I get deported.”
According to a survey by The New York Times and CBS, 74 percent of Americans think that immigrants weaken the economy, however, many employers who hire workers “without papers” on a daily basis think otherwise.
“I prefer to hire immigrants because Hispanics are much more reliable and hard workers,” said Kenneth T. owner of a construction company with 30 years of experience in Long Island and Queens. “They are always ready to work, especially when I need one or two workers for a day.”
Nonetheless, the law is very precise. According to the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), hiring undocumented workers is illegal, and severely punished according to existing codes.
“I think it’s unfair,” argues Kenneth. “Employers should have the freedom to hire whoever benefits their company more. Most Americans want higher wages for doing less. The government should give working papers to illegal immigrants. They’re already here; I think it’s costlier to deport them.”
While the immigration status of thousands of illegal immigrants in the country is still pending, Genaro is aware that he must continue to send money to the four children he left behind.
“I was born in Mexico but I love this country very much. It offered me the hope to give a better life for my kids, opportunity my country could not give me.”