Roaming Charges: Officials Take Aim At Immigrant Day Laborers

The US has always been known as the home of the free. But there is little that is literally free these days, and that may soon include the freedom to freely roam about in search of employment.

Local legislators are looking to pass a bill aimed at immigrant works limiting what they (the legislators) define as loitering in search of work.

They assert that the measure is aimed at reducing traffic accidents that are brought about by day laborers looking for work from passing motorists. However, opponents note that the existing state law has matters under control.

And, there was additional opposition from immigrant rights groups representing residents from Farmingville and Medford, both key areas for day laborers.

However supporters suggest that these loiterers put others in jeopardy as they “harass” them via making comments that many find offensive and do not want to hear.

Still, those members of the alliance noted the measure as discriminatory and divisive, allowing for the targeting and “hatred” toward Latinos.

Plus, supporters added that the bill could also result in the termination of other groups congregating, such as those protesting against abortion or sex offenders living in the community, and they do not want to take that right away from them. And, some others were worried about such a bill’s effect on the rights of union workers and protestors.