After a New York Times investigation exposed migrant child labor in Grand Rapids, Michigan immigrant rights advocates are pushing for change on the state and federal level.
The Feb. 25 article details how children who immigrated to the United States are working grueling hours in food packaging, manufacturing and construction. Anna Hill Galendez, supervising attorney for the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center’s worker rights team, says the investigation unearths failures in immigration and employment.
“I think at the heart of it, kids are really at the intersection of those two systems that have a lot of injustices,” she said.
The federal government plans to crackdown quickly with U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, calling the violation of labor laws “a massive failure.” But the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, worried swift action could create other issues, outlined 10 policy changes to help protect children and immigrants from exploitation.
“We’re concerned that poorly designed efforts to combat migrant child labor could actually push many undocumented adult breadwinners out of their jobs and leave children more vulnerable,” said Hill Galendez.
Related: Food processor exposed for illegally employing minors in Grand Rapids, says its reviewing practices
On the immigration side, the legal group is advocating for more support of children and families.
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