The fires of Palisades and Eaton that destroyed thousands of houses are now completely contentBut as residents seek to rebuild, they can face a problem: President Trump Immigration repression I could create a shortage of construction workers.
“People like to work. They want to work. They also want better lives,” said Bernardo Osario, a crew chief during a dozen workers who offered themselves as volunteers to eliminate debris in Pasadena.
Osario, who emigrated from Mexico 36 years ago and became an American citizen in 2021, believes that reconstruction simply will not be possible without immigrants.
In California, 41% of construction workers are immigrants, according to the National Association of Housing Builders, some of which remain in the country without legal documents. Construction is among the main industries that depend on immigrant work, along with agriculture and Food serviceaccording to estimates of the non -partisan center of migration studies in New York.
Under the repression of immigration of the Trump administration, deportation Officers can eliminate most immigration offenders, even those who provide necessary labor.
Dan Gatsby, founder of the Los Angeles Constructor Association, a commercial group of the local construction industry, says that it would take new merchants for years to replace immigrant workers and train them.
When asked if it is realistic that the city reconstructs what has been lost in the fires .
Gatsby estimated the reconstruction of Los Angeles could have been 20 years, and perhaps double without the help of immigrant construction work.
“We are essential workers, essential people, for the community,” said Osario.
Just like llain the flamesRebuilding it will take all available hands.
Mark Strassmann
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