Real Ways You Can Help Migrant Workers in Your Community

Despite their significant contributions to our economy, food supply, and society, many migrant workers are struggling to make ends meet and lead healthy lives in today’s America. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit undocumented workers and their families particularly hard due to the nature of their jobs, crowded and/or low-quality housing, and the inaccessibility to government relief and other benefits. If you want to know how you can get involved in improving the everyday lives of migrant workers and families in your community, we invite you to keep reading.

Educate Yourself on the Struggles

Learning about their challenges will enable you to better help immigrant workers and families in your community.

●      Undocumented workers were unable to receive any stimulus money in April and may face the same issue if a second stimulus package is passed.

●      Many avoid seeking medical attention when they are ill due to the fear of being deported.

●      The poor, crowded living conditions that many undocumented workers have been subjected to increases the likelihood of spreading the virus.

Legal and Financial Assistance

Many migrant workers struggle with financial and legal complications. These resources present solutions for dealing with common issues.

●      For visa modifications, preventing deportation, and many other legal matters, connect immigrant workers in your community with freelance legal professionals and translators.

●      Migrant workers and their children who want to enroll in college may be eligible for certain scholarships.

●      Navigating the financial and legal system in an unfamiliar language is challenging, so connect with translators who can support migrant workers in need.

●      Migrant workers who are hoping to renew or extend their visas will likely need to work with an attorney who has a background in immigration law.

●      Some migrant workers may be able to start a Colorado business. To file the paperwork required to form an LLC, they may wish to utilize an online formation service.

Volunteer Your Time, Energy, and Money

And of course, getting out there and helping directly can make a big difference in the lives of immigrant workers and their families.

●      Volunteer at homeless shelters, food pantries, and other organizations in your community.

●      Find reputable national and international organizations to donate to, such as Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, and Goodwill.

●      Look for local 501(c) organizations you can contribute to; make sure they are registered with the state’s secretary of state and recognized at the federal level.

●      Get involved with community-supported organizations that advocate for equitable business opportunities, especially for vulnerable populations.

●      Write to your members of Congress to support legislation that will protect and benefit hard-working migrants and their families.

Our communities have migrant workers and families who are experiencing difficult times right now. By learning about their struggles, connecting them with helpful resources, and investing your time, energy, and money, you can start making a significant difference in their everyday lives, as well as their future.