In a lecture at the Workers’ Conference in New Mexico On Thursday, a community-based organization that works to protect and expand the rights of immigrants in New Mexico discussed the challenges undocumented people face in the workplace and how it is working to provide them with more equitable opportunities.
Lawyers with We are a United Kingdom Language barriers, legal obstacles and discrimination are just some of the many problems immigrants face in the labor market in New Mexico.
Zulema Chavero, a community organizer, said undocumented workers also lack access to services designed to reduce career barriers, such as the law on innovation and equal opportunities for the workforceor “WIOA”.
“Workforce development in New Mexico is primarily funded by federal funds through the WIOA program, which is very restrictive and excludes many New Mexicans, particularly immigrants,” she said. “Undocumented workers do not have access to these programs.”
The organization is working to change that. It is working with the state to explore whether unemployment benefits can be extended to illegal workers. Chavero said her team also provides workforce development training.
“Why don’t we provide these workers with the opportunity to find quality jobs while helping our community address the labor shortage in key industries that benefit the global economy in New Mexico?” she asked.
Mexican consul in Albuquerque, Patricia Pinzón Sánchez, said that despite these exclusive programs, undocumented workers still have labor rights.
“A working person is entitled to a wage whether they have papers or not,” she said. “And for this main reason, and because many employers take advantage of undocumented people, it is very important to educate this community about their rights.”
Undocumented workers who believe their employer is discriminating against them or who feel unsafe at work can Contact the organization for help filing claims.
The reporting is supported by the Thornburg Foundation.
