Illegal immigrants help rebuild Houston after Hurricane Harvey

Screenshot from video

The water has long left the territory of Houston in Texas after Hurricane Harvey, but in many of its areas remained mold.

There are not enough hands to do the cleaning work, and this opens up opportunities for illegal immigrants, reports “Voice of America".

They're waiting in the parking lot of a hardware store - maybe someone needs workers to build, paint, or demolish a building. At least 28% of the Texas workforce is illegal, and they face not only deportation, but the work itself can sometimes be dangerous.

Public organizer Maurizio Iglesias says that many illegal builders do not know their rights, this makes them even more vulnerable.

“They have no respirators, no gloves, no helmets - they have absolutely nothing to do this job. Moreover, there are no means of protection against bacteria,” he said.

Rob Hellier of the Houston Builders Association says that he and other members of the association adhere to high standards when hiring workers. He explains the problems faced by immigrants by other approaches in economics and health care in their home countries.

“Standards are much lower there, they are practically absent, especially when it comes to personal safety. Perhaps they simply do not recognize and appreciate the risks to which they are exposed, especially when it comes to working in polluted conditions.

Black water is a mixture of sewage and flood water, as well as chemicals.

Low-paid workers have to do the dirtiest job, despite the risk.

“We want to work, and it’s very good that there is enough work. But at the same time, we feel that it is very dangerous,” said Ella Isaula, manager of a clearing company in Houston.

Families are especially worried because they fear that their relatives will die in hard and dangerous jobs.

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