On 2 June 2020, a panel discussion was conducted by Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism (GRFDT) on the topic, ‘Livelihood of Migrants during COVID 19 and Future Challenges”.
Eminent scholar Camelia Tigau from National Autonomous University of Mexico, weighed in on undocumented, Mexican migrants and how the current pandemic situation has affected their lives. She shared her expertise in agricultural migrant workers both in Mexican border cities and the US.
On the US-Mexican border front, COVID-19 was used as a guise for Trump’s hard-line immigration policies to deter the spread of the virus. Many asylum-seekers, refugees, and migrants lost their jobs and could not cover their daily expenses as a result of repatriation. Camelia also mentions a report from the Pew Research Center whereby the crisis hits significantly more Hispanic households than that of native Americans. This is in spite of the critical role these Hispanic immigrants play in feeding the US. Their fears of being undocumented are suddenly allayed when relief aid is provided such as in California where cash is offered to retain undocumented migrant workers despite directives to stay at home during the pandemic.
America wants to be fed, yet at the same time demonises undocumented migrants: Camelia
Camelia emphasised on how COVID-19 shed more light on these undocumented but essential migrant workers. It is no surprise that migrants continue to bear the brunt of the pandemic, as existing trends on their livelihoods continue to take on more intense forms. To curb this, Camelia highlights the need for scholars and researchers alike to interact more closely with affected communities to spur more ethical discussions concerning undocumented migrants.
Tashryn Mohd Shahrin is an avid rock climber, who loves the thrill of heights. When she is not climbing, she is gushing over babies and hanging out in book cafes.