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Brandon Doren
The History and Current Status of Undocumented Workers in the U.S.
The issue of undocumented workers in the United States has been a prominent topic of
debate for decades, often intertwining with larger discussions on immigration policy, labor
practices, and socioeconomic disparities. Using the provided information, this paper delves into
the history and current status of undocumented workers in the U.S., particularly focusing on
forestry and the H-2B program.
Historically, the demand for labor, especially in industries like forestry, agriculture, and
construction, has led to the rise in undocumented workers. This labor demand was so prominent
in forestry, especially in the Pacific Northwest, that by the late 1960s, a significant portion of the
laborers were from countries in the Southern Oregon region and later from Central and South
America. The inception of the H-2B program, which had roots going back to at least 1947, aimed
at filling these labor gaps. The program essentially allowed foreign nationals to work temporarily
in non-agricultural roles in the U.S. Over the years, this program has witnessed many
transformations, expanding to various sectors and adapting to changing economic conditions.
Illegal immigration in the U.S. is as old as immigration itself. The first notable wave of
undocumented workers can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when large
numbers of Europeans immigrated to the U.S. without proper documentation. However, the
concept of "illegal" immigration wasn't firmly established until the early 20th century when the
U.S. began implementing immigration quotas and restrictions. In the mid-20th century, the
Bracero Program, a guest worker initiative between Mexico and the U.S., was established. While
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it brought legal laborers, the program's end in 1964 saw many Mexican workers remain without
documentation. This set the precedent for the influx of Mexican workers in subsequent decades.
Since the late 20th century, U.S. policies have been a mix of amnesty, border
fortification, and deportations. The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986
granted amnesty to nearly 3 million undocumented immigrants but also initiated stronger border
enforcement. Later acts aimed to address border security and undocumented immigration, but a
comprehensive solution has been elusive. Undocumented workers are a vital part of the U.S.
labor market, especially in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality. These
workers often take on jobs that are deemed undesirable by native-born Americans, at wages that
are often below the standard. Economic contributions by undocumented workers are substantial.
They pay billions in taxes and contribute to the economy through consumption and labor.
However, they face significant challenges. Lack of legal status means many are susceptible to
exploitation, receiving lower wages, and working in hazardous conditions without proper
recourse. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, introduced in 2012,
was a significant policy addressing the rights of undocumented immigrants who arrived as
children. Beneficiaries, often called "Dreamers," have been able to work legally, but the
program's future has been uncertain, leaving many in limbo.
As of recent data, there are approximately 11 million undocumented workers in the U.S.
These workers represent about 3.5% of the total U.S. population, with the distribution varying
significantly from state to state. For instance, Nevada, California, and Texas have the highest
percentages of unauthorized immigrants as part of their total state population. The forestry sector
in the U.S., especially in the Southeast, has been highly dependent on these workers. This region
focuses on high-yield fiber production, and the introduction of the H-2B program has been
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pivotal in ensuring that forestry operations remain profitable. The dynamics of this industry,
where contractors bid for vast tracts of land and then replant millions of trees in a season,
requires a considerable workforce. While the H-2B program has its benefits, there are various
concerns associated with it. Contractors often have to provide transportation, tools, and other
equipment for these workers, adding to overhead costs. Additionally, the productivity of guest
workers is a contentious point. Although some contractors vouch for their efficiency, others cite
concerns about the speed and quality of work. The undocumented status also brings forth various
socio-economic issues. These workers often live in the shadows, facing risks of exploitation,
limited access to basic amenities, and a constant fear of deportation. Their status also
complicates matters related to wage disputes, healthcare access, and legal protections.
The status of undocumented workers in the U.S. is a complex tapestry woven from
historical labor demands, evolving immigration policies, and socio-economic challenges. While
these workers significantly contribute to industries like forestry, the underlying challenges of
undocumented work status persist. As discussions on immigration reforms continue, the plight,
contributions, and challenges faced by these workers remain at the forefront of these
conversations.
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Works Cited
Week 7 Slides
Sarathy, B., & Casanova, V. (2008). Guest Workers or Unauthorized Immigrants? The Case of
Forest Workers in the United States. Policy Sciences, (2). 95.
Yee, V., Davis, K. & Patel, J. (2017). Here's the Reality about Illegal Immigrants in the United
StatesLinks to an external site. New York Times.
Peri, Giovanni. Zaiour, Reem. (2021). Citizenship for undocumented immigrants would boost
U.S. economic growth. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/citizenship-undocumentedimmigrants-boost-u-s-economic-growth/