Undocumented Immigrant Day Laborers Coping with the Economic Meltdown in Los Angeles

Abstract

The study traces the ways in which 30 Central American and Mexican undocumented immigrant day laborers manage their lives in Los Angeles during the current economic downturn. There has been much scholarship which addresses the complexities of the immigrant day labor industry, but the studies assume a growing and stable economy in the receiving countries. This paper examines the significant role of social networks, religion, and knowledge of the geography of Los Angeles that enables the Latino immigrant men to self-govern their dire economic plight. Many studies have highlighted these important aspects in the context of immigration; however, the ways in which these issues gain relevance among Latino men in a less economically rich context has yet to be addressed. Furthermore, much scholarship has recognized how economic forces and social networking help sustain migration but subjective experiences such as religiosity, friendships, and affective ties to spaces within the host country have been less of a focus. This study examines how spirituality, affective bonds, and pragmatic thinking play crucial roles such that the immigrant day laborers manage to cope during difficult times. Data are drawn from in-depth interviews and participant observation from June to August 2009 of 30 undocumented immigrant Central American and Mexican men at three different hiring locations in Los Angeles. These interviews were conducted in the parking lots of three home improvement stores.