Date and Time:
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EDT
Background:
In February 2023, the New York Times published “Alone and Exploited,” a harrowing article on the experiences of newly-arrived migrant children in the United States who are often exploited for their work in dangerous jobs that violate child labor laws. Having crossed the U.S. southern border unaccompanied, many of these young people are under pressure to earn money to support their families back home, pay rent and living expenses, as well as debts to smugglers, while also attending school and navigating immigration and asylum systems with little support. Following an onslaught of criticism, the White House promised an investigation to “crack down” on migrant child labor and new mechanisms to report abuse.
During this webinar, participants will explore the dynamics of migrant child labor in the United States. Will efforts to “crack down” on child labor stop exploitation? How will forthcoming changes to U.S. asylum processes impact migrant children and their livelihoods? Most importantly, what do migrant youth have to say about their experiences?
Featuring:
Stephanie Canizales
Professor, Department of Sociology, University of California, Merced
Lauren Heidbrink
Associate Professor of Human Development, California State University, Long Beach
Ivón Padilla-Rodríguez
Bridge to Faculty Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Illinois, Chicago
Gabriella Sanchez (moderator)
Research Fellow, Collaborative on Global Children's Issues
Michele Statz
Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota Medical School