In Plano, day laborers share their concerns and aspirations as immigration policies shift, impacting their livelihoods and future.
Plano: It’s early morning, around 6:00 a.m., and it’s chilly at 32 degrees. Dozens of day laborers are already at the Day Labor Center, ready to find work. They lock their cars and head over under the dim moonlight.
This center has been around since 1994. Curtis Howard, who runs Neighborhood Services for Plano, explains that it was set up to help people looking for work connect with those needing labor.
Workers share their skills and availability, and the center helps match them with contractors or residents needing help. However, they don’t handle pay negotiations or offer legal advice.
Juan, a 64-year-old laborer, says they wait at the center for job opportunities. He mentions that they can earn between $100 and $175 a day, depending on the job.
These workers take on various tasks like construction, landscaping, and moving. But lately, they’ve noticed a slowdown in available work.
Despite the challenges, Juan and others remain hopeful. They’re worried about the future but refuse to give up. Juan describes their feelings as a sense of threat.
It’s not the work itself that scares them, but the fear of deportation and not achieving their dreams. William echoes this sentiment, expressing concern over potential deportations under the new administration.
Experts warn that mass deportations could hurt the job market, with studies suggesting that for every 500,000 immigrants removed, around 44,000 U.S.-born workers might lose their jobs.
Still, William holds onto hope for a brighter future. He mentions that despite the tough talk about deportations, he’s heard promises of job creation from the new president.
William is optimistic that these new jobs could help him and his fellow laborers get back on their feet.
