Resources for US Migrant Workers Navigating Everyday Challenges in 2021

Right now, more than 40 million people living in the US came here from another country, accounting for 13.7 percent of the population. Those numbers alone make it easy to see how integral immigrants are to American life, both in economic and societal terms. And when you add in the benefits that diversity brings, it’s undeniable that the US would not be the same country without the contributions of migrant workers each day. 

Unfortunately, however, times are hard for many migrant workers today, especially in the midst of a global pandemic. And many of them don’t know where to look for finding available resources to assist them. If you are interested in assisting migrant workers, here’s some information below that can help, presented by Ending Poverty Together.

Utilizing Local Services

A lot of the assistance that migrant workers need can be found right in their community.

• If you know a migrant worker who is struggling to keep food on the table, resources like FoodPanrtries.org are great for locating nearby food pantries and food banks. 
• Undocumented immigrants can typically receive health care at community health clinics, emergency rooms at hospitals, or free medical and dental school clinics.

Finding Reputable Non-Profits to Donate To

Giving money and unwanted items to non-profit organizations is a practical way to help migrant workers; just make sure the organization has a good reputation. 

• Churches have a long history of supporting immigrants in everyday life, so find one in your community that is doing good work. 
• National organizations that have local branches (e.g., Salvation Army, Goodwill, United Way, etc.) are also a good option for donating money and unwanted items. 
• You can also look for local non-profits that are registered with the State’s Secretary of State and have received tax-exempt status as a 501(c) organization; these organizations are reputable because they are legally recognized at the state and federal level. 

Finding Financial and Legal Help

Finally, financial and legal concerns are common among migrant workers. 

• One way to help in this regard is to find a non-profit organization that provides direct financial assistance to immigrant families. There are even organizations that help with issues related specifically to COVID-19. 
• Utilizing local legal aid could help migrant workers with things like settlements and the collection of unpaid wages.
• There are also plenty of remote workers who specialize in navigating the complexities of immigration law; look online to find freelance lawyers. 

Important Financial and Legal Concerns

For countless migrant workers, pressing financial and legal concerns are a major source of anxiety. Here’s how you can help migrant workers address these widespread problems.

• Migrant workers and their family members often worry about the threat of deportation. This guide outlines their rights in case they are targeted.
• Do you know a migrant worker who is in need of legal representation, but doesn’t know how to begin their search? These tips will help them find a reputable immigration lawyer.
• After working in the country for a long time, some migrant workers become interested in starting their own businesses. Use online resources to find out how to form an LLC. Learn more about this work, including how to file your annual report, through a site like Zenbusiness.com.

Everyone knows how essential migrant workers are to the fabric of America, yet many of them struggle each day because they don’t know how to connect with resources that can help them. Learn about how you can connect migrant workers in your community with local services, start donating to reputable non-profits, and look into how they can get the financial and legal assistance they need. The only way circumstances will change for the migrant workers in our communities if we step up and do something good.

Contributed by: Elena Stewart