MIWON Platform

Workers have united to create this platform which lists what they want for Legalization.

The City of Los Angeles has historically been a place of refuge to migrants escaping from political turmoil, natural disasters and economic hardship from their countries of origin. Immigrants from across the world have built this city and its economy continues to thrive through the major contributions of their labor. Nowhere is this clearer than in the low-wage industries, where weatlh is created by garment, restaurant, day labor, domestic, home care workers and other immigrant workers who receive poverty wages and edure exploitation.

Whereas

Immigrant workers have endured deplorable working conditions such as long work hours without overtime pay, workers compensation, regard for their health and safety, harassment, discrimination and blacklisting, and have very little or no protection by government agencies in charge of enforcing labor laws.

Whereas

Immigrant workers lack job security, a living wage and are trapped in these low-wage industries without a hope of improving their life and that of their families.

Whereas

Immigrant workers face higher levels of exploitation because most lack legal documentation, and they are subject to threats and harassment to be thrown out of the country, incarcerated and deported thereby creating a fearful working and living environment.

Whereas

Immigrant workers and their families, because of their immigration status, are also systematically denied access to a driver's license, decent healthcare, social services, and quality education.

Let it be resolved

That we, as leaders of a country built by immigrants, hereby endorse the following principles as guidelines for building a broader legalization program. We urge all others in the community to uphold these principles as we work together to improve the conditions for low-wage immigrant workers and their families.

JUSTICE

All immigrant workers deserve and must receive the following support to lead healthy, decent and productive lives.

True legalization in this country should be given in the form of permanent legal status and citizenship. This should not be limited to any country of origin or work industry.

Greater protection and enforcement of U.S. labor laws which will guarantee at least minimum wage and security from blacklisting, harassment and intimidation of any kind.

DIGNITY

All immigrant workers and their families deserve:

Clean, safe and proper working conditions to prevent illness, stress and workplace accidents.

Access to decent and quality healthcare, and nutrition.

Permanent, stable and secure work.

Access to quality education and financial aid.

Access to safe affordable housing.

Access to a driver's license

DEMOCRACY

All immigrant workers and their families must hold basic democratic freedoms and rights as contributing members of this country. Immigrant families must be able to voice their concerns.

LET US ALL SPEAK OUT FOR LOW-WAGE IMMIGRANT WORKERS!