The product of their labors are quite apparent; at the grocery store, at restaurants, in clothing department stores, in our homes and other places that farm produce is required. Migrant farm laborers are an essential part to the economy and to our everyday lives. These are the people that plant the seeds, water them, protect them, pick them and allow society to eat and have other crop goods. Without farm laborers, the need for food would greatly surpass the supplies available. Yet even though these people are so important to our food supplies and other crop goods, they are underpaid and are considered the working poor. Where I come from, farming is a huge part of the community. Nearly all of the land around the town is dedicated to farming; therefore, farming has been a large part of my life. I have seen my family work tirelessly on their crops and employ numerous workers. Additionally, within a town near my own, there are a number of illegal immigrants. Therefore I feel a connection with these people and I feel like that I can explore their situation further than others.

For this project, I am going to include two stories about two workers and their different stories. The first worker will be called Jose and the second will be called Alejandro. Jose is a very hard working individual from Central Mexico. He lives with his girlfriend and their 3 children. One of the boys has been thought to have a form of autism (Although it is uncertain because they cannot afford a doctor’s visit). Additionally, he was stricken by a stroke which partially paralyzed part of his body. He works from 5 am in the morning to 5 at night, depending on the day. Yet his living conditions are deplorable. The house that he lives in is about 700 square feet. The roof is starting to cave in and there are several holes in the ceiling. The living quarters are cramped especially with several children and a girlfriend. The girlfriend does not have a job and thus she stays at home and tends to the household chores. Therefore, what Jose makes through his job, is what they have as a family to use. I will have to investigate further in order to know the actual wage that he earns. The second worker, Alejandro, is similar to Henry in the way that he has several mouths to feed and lives in tight living quarters. However, Alejandro’s wife is also from Mexico and rarely leaves in order to keep her job. Therefore, Alejandro rarely gets to see his wife, only when he travels down to Mexico to see his family. His kids all live with him and go to the local school. They believe that the kids will have a better chance at success if they attend school in America. Furthermore, Alejandro’s oldest son works with his father on the ranch. Additionally, if his son is unable to receive higher education, then he may hold the same job that his father now does.