the value of migrant workers

     The issue of migrant workers is very complicated and as such, require creative solutions are required to help these people. The fact that the U.S. economy would not hold up without these workers makes them indispensable (in "Legacy of Shame' it was even mentioned that some immigration services people had a "hands off" policy when it came to illegal migrant workers)    and the fact that these workers want these jobs makes it impossible to get rid of migrant workers. I think migrant workers should take advantage of just how important they are to the U.S. economy, and in doing so, they could help better the conditions under which they work. The only problem with this is that all, or at least most,  workers must "play by the rules." For example, there were many instances in the documentary in which workers said they did not report harsh conditions or retaliate against wrong practices (farmers paying them for fewer hrs than they worked, pesticides being used around them, etc) because they knew that if they did, they would easily be replaced by another worker. Thus it can be inferred that if this were not the case (ie: if it weren't so easy to replace one migrant worker with another), the migrant workers would have more freedom to bargain and get the condition and wages that they deserve; they would not be afraid to speak up for fear of losing their jobs. 

   While this may not be easily achieved, there are a few ways in which to make migrant workers realize their full value and as such, keep them from selling themselves short. This should be done by educating the workers about how valuable they are and try to convince them to bargain for better pay and conditions. The success of this will depend on just how many workers take this attitude rather than settling for the status quo. Those seeking to help migrant workers can educate migrant workers about their full value and encourage them to not settle for current conditions. They should also encourage these workers to spread this mentality (and the benefits of not settling for current conditions) to others they know who may also be considering coming to the U.S. to find work. This information can also be spread via pamphlets (in Spanish) and by getting the word out in towns where these workers come from.