Temporary Migrant Workers or Immigrants? The Question for U.S. Labor Migration

The legacy of immigration policies and employment exclusion: Assessing the relationship between employment exclusions and immigrant health

“…Historically, immigration policies determined access to employment by granting authorization to work and influencing the type of jobs available to immigrants (e.g., farmwork, domestic work, construction) ( Donato & Amuedo-Dorantes, 2020 ). Often, this included precarious jobs with limited workplace protections ( Costa, 2020 ; Hall & Greenman, 2015 ). This continues to be observed today as occupational trajectories, labor practices, and work conditions reflect the policies in place.…”

“…For example, citizens and visa holders are granted opportunities to seek and attain employment in the US whereas undocumented immigrants are subject to more precarious employment where they are often denied labor protections and health benefits ( Hall & Greenman, 2015 ). Individuals with temporary visas and permanent statuses comprise both skilled and unskilled workers across a diverse range of occupations ( Costa, 2020 ). Meanwhile, undocumented immigrants primarily work in farming, construction, production, service, and transportation occupations where labor violations are greatest ( Passel & Cohn, 2016 ).…”

“…Meanwhile, undocumented immigrants primarily work in farming, construction, production, service, and transportation occupations where labor violations are greatest ( Passel & Cohn, 2016 ). However, evidence suggests that skilled and more educated workers are more likely to adjust their legal status to lawful permanent resident than other low-wage workers thereby affording further rights, protections, and economic opportunities ( Costa, 2020 ).…”