The deaths of six immigrant workers in the Baltimore bridge collapse underscore the importance of rethinking the way we frame the conversation about immigration and the contributions of these individuals to our society. While their deaths have elicited expressions of empathy, it is imperative to recognize their value beyond tragic events.
All too often, immigrants are portrayed as filling jobs that Americans are unwilling to do and for low wages. This narrative marginalizes them and perpetuates a false dichotomy. In reality, immigrant workers contribute to a wide range of industries, including construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, occupations that are essential to our daily lives. Moreover, they face significant safety risks on the job.
The Baltimore tragedy highlights the dangers inherent in construction, one of the deadliest industries in the US. Latinos, who make up a substantial portion of the construction workforce, often express concerns about the hazardous nature of the work. Other industries heavily reliant on foreign-born workers, such as poultry and meat processing, also pose significant health risks. The labor force behind this critical component of our food supply is predominantly composed of immigrant workers, who face heightened risks of developing lung cancer and antibiotic-resistant diseases.
It is not just immigrant workers who are toiling in dangerous jobs. US-born workers are also employed in poultry and meat processing plants, construction sites, and other hazardous industries. Our focus should be on improving safety standards for all workers, regardless of their immigration status.
Immigrants have played a pivotal role in America’s post-COVID labor market recovery. The six men who died working on the Francis Scott Key Bridge were not just faceless casualties of a tragedy. They had families, were active in their communities, and, in some cases, had dedicated themselves to serving their fellow immigrants through organizations like CASA. Their contributions should be remembered and acknowledged.
While the immigration status of all six men is not fully known, their deaths have galvanized advocates, business leaders, and elected officials to push for the Biden administration to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to immigrant workers who have resided in the US for five or more years. This would provide them with legal permission to work, although it does not offer a direct path to residency or citizenship. Such a measure would acknowledge their contributions and energize progressive voters.
Advocating for immigrant workers, both documented and undocumented, is not just a matter of compassion but also of justice and economic sense. They are essential to our communities, our economy, and our future. By creating a more inclusive society that values the contributions of all workers and invests in their safety, we can build a stronger and more equitable nation for all.
