California Immigrants During a Time of Recession

This week, we take you to California for a special, four-part series looking at how immigrants in the state are faring during the recession. From Mexican farm workers to Hollywood nannies, we’ll explore what effects the economic downturn are having on immigrants and their families. In addition to the podcast, we also invite you to check out our online coverage of these issues.  Podcast host Jason Margolis offers a Reporter’s Notebook entry on the changes he sees happening.

Here’s a snippet:

“I spent a week reporting in California, my home state for 33 years. I hung out with Mexican day laborers on a corner in East Los Angeles. I visited almond farms, cotton fields, and vineyards and spoke with men picking the crops. I met Filipino home health care workers – the men and women who take care of our grandparents, bathing, grooming, and feeding them at the end of their lives.

My rather unstartling conclusion: Times are tough for immigrants in America, especially so for the undocumented. There’s not enough work. People live in fear of deportation.”

We also have a full page of audio slideshows and videos that will take you inside the lives of some of California’s Mexican immigrants.

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