Migrant workers play a vital role in the American workforce. They contribute to society in countless ways, from supporting the agricultural industry to bringing unique cultural perspectives to present-day problems. Unfortunately, many migrant workers are economically exploited by their employers, on whom they are dependent for basic necessities including housing and access to healthcare.
Do you want to help? Here’s how you can offer assistance to struggling migrant workers in your community, courtesy of The Migration News.
Managing Stress as a Migrant Worker
It’s no surprise that American migrants are stressed. Challenges like living in poor conditions, working for exploitative employers, and being responsible for family back home will take their toll on anyone. And the pandemic did not make things easier for these individuals. Due to unequal access to health services, migrants faced increased stress and anxiety during the pandemic, out of which many are still trying to emerge.
Like anyone else, migrants can benefit from stress-management techniques like deep breathing and meditation. These techniques can help them to be calm and avoid stress-related health issues even during difficult and stressful times. You can also share information about the mental health benefits of decluttering. It is easy for things to pile up when we are busy, and stressed migrant workers struggling to make ends meet are no exception. But removing clutter can actually help reduce stress and anxiety, which allows people to think clearly and focus on what needs to happen next in their lives.
The children of migrant workers also face unique challenges, as sometimes their families move with seasonal work, or they themselves are needed to work during the busy seasons. The National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association (NMSHSA) offers local early childhood education resources to relieve stress for migrant working parents.
Access to Basic Necessities
Migrant workers often depend on their employers for basic necessities, which opens them up to exploitation. Help migrant workers connect with the resources that are available to them!
Gather: Gather is a nonprofit organization that distributes nutritious food, as well as nutrition education and healthy living recipes, to Seacoast residents facing hunger.
Migrant Health Program: the federal Migrant Health Program provides care to migrant farmworkers and their families through a nationwide network of migrant health centers.
MSPA: all migrant workers should learn about their rights under The Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA).
Affordable Housing Programs: there are also many programs that provide affordable housing to immigrants in the US.
Resources to Combat Social Isolation
Migrant workers often face social isolation and resulting mental health challenges. Many felt the effects of social isolation worsened during the pandemic.
Helpful Communal Apps: migrants can take advantage of tools like MeetUp.com and Halfofus.com to combat feelings of social isolation.
Volunteer Opportunities: immigrants to the U.S. can get to know the local culture and meet people by volunteering in the community.
Be an Ally: as an American citizen, you can help end the stigma against migrant workers and help them feel accepted in our society.
Provide Resources Yourself: last but not least, you can lend a helping hand to migrant workers by starting a nonprofit organization.
Resources to Combat Social Isolation
Being a migrant worker in the U.S. is far from easy. If you want to support those who are struggling, there are countless impactful ways for you to get involved! Start by educating yourself and others about the challenges facing migrant workers as well as the resources that are available to support them.
Stephanie Haywood is happy to be living her best life. Personal development and self-care gave her a boost when she needed it most, and now she works to share the gift of self-knowledge, selfcare, and self-actualization with everyone who visits MyLifeBoost.com.