Communities Stand With U.S. Immigrants Amid Deportation Rises
Activists and community groups across the United States are uniting behind the slogan “No human being is illegal” to show solidarity with undocumented immigrants. Large seminars and events—from Boston to California—stress that immigrants are vital contributors to the U.S. economy and deserve dignity, regardless of legal status.
Immigrants Drive Key Industries, Face Disproportionate Risks
Immigrant workers make up a significant share of several industries:
- Around 20% of U.S. construction workers are immigrants, many lacking legal documentation.
- In states like New York and Texas, undocumented workers represent large portions of the labor force in construction and agriculture.
- The agriculture and food-related sector contributes trillions to GDP, with immigrant labor—particularly undocumented workers—accounting for a substantial share.
- In the “care economy” (nannies, cleaners, long-term care staff), over 25–30% of workers are foreign-born, forming a crucial backbone.
- Immigrants, including many undocumented, also make up a significant percentage of meatpacking workers, performing demanding and high-risk jobs.
Organizers Push For Rights And Recognition
The Boston South Asian Coalition recently hosted a seminar titled “Union and Community Activists Unite for Immigrant Rights,” where speakers highlighted the economic and social contributions of immigrant laborers. Community leaders stressed that recognizing immigrant contributions and expanding legal protections are necessary for fairness and inclusion.
