H-2A Worker Fights Labor Trafficking with Legal Aid

Rosaura came to the United States in pursuit of a better life for herself and her family. Back home in Mexico, economic hardships and few opportunities left little room for their situation to improve. Rosaura and her family arrived to the U.S. on an H-2A visa, which granted them temporary agricultural work. However, they immediately were subject to labor trafficking on their first day.    

Labor Trafficking Under the Guise of Opportunity 

At three in the morning, Rosaura and her family arrived in the U.S. and were told they would work in the strawberry fields. What they were not told is that they would begin only two hours later, that same day. At five in the morning, they were woken up to begin their shift that would last until six in the evening. 

On top of their daily shifts that lasted from 5AM to 6PM, their employers attempted to isolate them from the rest of the world. They weren’t allowed to leave or receive visits from family. 

The living conditions were also inhumane: ten people crammed into a tiny room with no separation between men and women and poor nutrition. Rosaura described how the employers served three servings of instant noodles to four workers – an insufficient amount of food, especially given the physical labor they provided. 

Their employers even attempted to strip them of their important documents and demanded their passports. 

Rosaura endured two weeks in these conditions and never received a paycheck. To leave the situation, she and her family were told they had to pay $1,500. The situation was dire, so they paid the money and fled. 

From Exploitation to Empowerment 

CRLA intervened and informed Rosaura and her family that contrary to what they were told, they did not have to pay to leave. Rosaura was afraid because she was threatened with deportation back to Mexico, but Sandra, Staff Attorney, reassured her that she was on their side and here to help. 

Sandra guided Rosaura and her family through the process of filing a claim for a visa.  

Everything changed for Rosaura – she felt dignified, happy, and free to live life without being controlled. She found a new job, moved into a a new home, and began building the future she came for. 

Rosaura’s message for others in a similar situation: 

• You’re not alone
• There are people who can help
• You have the opportunity for something better 

Are you facing labor trafficking in rural California but unable to afford a private attorney? Contact us!