Protecting Undocumented Organizers From Retaliation Is Vital
Employers take advantage of the fact that few know about DALE, a federal program that protects undocumented workers from retaliation. Helping these workers access their rights is a key step toward organizing some of the US’s most predatory workplaces.
Protesters demand that the Department of Homeland Security release renewal guidelines for the Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement program in Chicago, Illinois, on January 11, 2024, (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune / Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Perhaps the biggest obstacle to organizing, for workers everywhere, is the fear of retaliation. This is an even greater factor when the workers are undocumented immigrants. Not only do you fear being suspended or fired, but the idea of being deported if the employer calls immigration and being separated from your family multiplies the fear.
But a federal program that few know about can offer confidence-boosting legal protection. Arise Chicago has been supporting workers to use the program, Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement (DALE).
Raids Ended, Fear Continues
The fear of workplace raids remains widespread — even though the current federal administration has not conducted workplace raids targeting immigrant workers since 2021.
Sorry, but this article is available to active subscribers only. Please log in or become a subscriber.