Readers Respond
The previous question was from a letter writer who was concerned about the working conditions at their condominium. They wrote:
I live in a condominium that is being expanded. Two contractors … employ crews of young Hispanic men who many of us suspect are undocumented. They work long hours, seven days a week, including holidays, even Christmas. They speak little English and seem wary of interacting with residents. Some of us worry that the contractors are exploiting them, paying less than minimum wage, denying overtime and warning them against speaking with outsiders because of their precarious situation. … How should we balance our concern for these men with the risk of putting them in the cross hairs? They may be here “illegally,” but it seems wrong to ignore their exploitation. — Name Withheld
In his response, the Ethicist noted:
In a variety of ways, the current administration in Washington has made the exploitation of undocumented workers easier. Officially, federal labor and employment laws cover all workers regardless of immigration status. But the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website has archived or removed much guidance on worker protections. Previous protections for undocumented workers involved in labor-enforcement investigations have been rescinded or curtailed. … Before you pressure the board or alert the state authorities, then, get in touch with a local immigrant-worker organization or legal-aid employment lawyer. You don’t have to be an expert to behave conscientiously, but — as that ethic of responsibility would urge — you do have to know what you don’t know.
(Reread the full question and answer here.)
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Do nothing. If you care about immigrants, say nothing. ICE will be called in to pick them up, but the employer will walk free. He will hire other illegal workers to replace those who were deported. Wash, rinse, repeat. — Teri
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From my experience working in the landscaping industry, these workers just want to make a living. “Exploitation” is in the eyes of the beholder. Also, how does the writer know that these workers are undocumented? Seems they are jumping to a conclusion without adequate information. They could be here legally on temporary work visas. If they are undocumented, shining a light on them may be the quickest way to get them deported. — Gregg
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If other owners in the H.O.A. understand that the board is hiring improperly, they might try to assert control, or oust the present board. The board is creating potential liability for the H.O.A. by working with uninsured contractors, and is potentially failing in its fiduciary duty to the association. — Jane
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The recent political changes in our country have made my neighbors more aware of the potentially undocumented workers the letter writer describes. Here they gather on street corners awaiting work. On a regular basis, we bring them lunch, give them info on local services and send them home with items for their children. It’s not going to change the world, but we like to think it helps. — Chris