It’s time to do more than just say farm workers are essential

​This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Photo by LAMBROS LYRARAKIS

​Since this health crisis started we have been hunkered down in our homes trying to stay safe. At the same time millions of Americans, including some immigrants have put themselves and their families at risk while performing essential jobs to keep the economy going while the health crisis unfolds

Living in a heavy agricultural area means that I get to see firsthand how hard our migrant workers work. They start their day when it is still dark out and work rain or shine for very long hours. Immigrants have been essential to the US COVID response not only in hospitals but in the supply chains which keep food and other resources available. 
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For example, migrant workers represent a high percentage of those working in frontline services such as food services, nursing, construction, child care, the janitors and cleaning staff, the farmworkers and meatpackers, the grocery store workers and public transit operators, the delivery drivers and even Postal Service workers. These are the people we’re depending on to keep our economy going during the pandemic.

​In Michigan is estimated that:

• Foreign born share of all essential workers in Michigan 8.4 percent (2020, Center for Migration Studies)
• Foreign born share of entire labor force 8.2 percent
• Foreign-born essential workers by state and industry (2020, Center for Migration Studies)
• Healthcare worker: 8.2 percent
• Janitors & building cleaners: 4.9 percent
• Workers in disinfection: 5.9 percent
• Workers in agriculture: 12.9 percent
• Workers in food & beverage manufacturing: 19.8 percent
• Workers in transport (except airlines): 12.3 percent
• There are 2,000 DACA recipients in Michigan working in occupations on the frontlines (i.e. health care, education & food related jobs) (American Progress)

​Covid-19 has exposed weaknesses in the U.S. health system, especially when it comes to the underserved populations. These essential workers face unique challenges, such as limited English proficiency, lack of access to technology, mistrust of government, and even the fact that they do not have bank accounts. It is very difficult of them to access public services that could help them weather the crisis. The difficulties are even more notorious for undocumented people, who are afraid of asking for help and even getting tested for COVID19.

​Immigrant contributions to society and the economy during COVID-19 have been indispensable and the government response should reflect that. As a Latina I know how difficult can be navigating the system once you move to the US. 

​70% of farmworkers and 40% of food packers are immigrants. They are putting their lives on the line to keep our economy going. Let’s make sure they're included in the next COVID relief legislation. We called them essential and heroes, now it is time to do something that really counts. It’s time to do more than just say farm workers are essential. Essential workers need more than our praise. They need our help.

Did you know that 1 in 6 nurses and 1 in 4 physicians are immigrants? They are putting their lives on the line daily. Also many low wage workers have no economic choice other than to return to work and feel trapped while fearing for their lives. It’s up to us to make sure they are protected.

Join me in sending an email to your legislators and demand REAL pandemic relief. Tell Congress to include immigrants for COVID-19 relief by quickly signing this MomsRising petition.

Learn more about the background for this petition at the MomsRising website https://www.momsrising.org/ and follow them on social media to stay up to date on other ways you can get involved.

• Facebook: /MomsRising.org
• Twitter: @momsrising
• IG: @momsrising