Diaries of a Worker Organizer – Part 2

It was a hot June afternoon when I knocked on the door of a small home in Bridgeton. A woman in a wheelchair answered. She and her partner are immigrants who live alone, without children or close family nearby. As we spoke, it hit me: if something happened to them, there would be no one to call. No safety net. That moment reminded me why my work matters.

This season, which began for me in April, feels very different. The political climate is tense, and immigrants—no matter their status—are living in fear. Workers ask me questions I didn’t hear before: “If I have a visa, do I still need a Real ID? Should I carry international documents? What happens if immigration shows up?” The rules feel unclear, and people are left feeling unprotected.

I continue to visit fields, small businesses, and community members, but this year I have also spent more time helping families prepare for emergencies. With the help of volunteers, we’ve been offering free notary services so parents can complete powers of attorney for their children. We do this privately, one-on-one, so families feel safe. I explain that the trusted person they choose doesn’t have to be family—it can be a friend, someone they truly rely on. These conversations are long, but they are vital.

At the same time, I keep building relationships in other ways. In Bridgeton, business owners have begun posting CATA flyers about worker rights and putting up “Employees Only” signs to protect private areas from immigration enforcement. These visits often turn into emotional conversations, as people share fears they’ve carried silently for years. For many, it is the first time someone listens without judgment.

The summer heat has been brutal. Some bosses joke that workers are like solar panels—absorbing energy from the sun. But I remind people: you’re not machines. Your health matters. What you feel is real. And at CATA, we validate those feelings and stand with you.

What keeps me moving forward are the words I hear again and again: “Mijo, thank you for this information. God bless you.” Workers often send me home with fruit or vegetables they’ve harvested themselves. These small acts remind me that my visits make a difference.

This work is not easy, but it is necessary. In today’s climate, CATA ensures immigrant workers are not invisible. We make sure they are informed, connected, and never alone.

Take Action

You can help make this work possible.

Donate today to support immigrant workers and their families.

Volunteer with us to stand alongside communities fighting for dignity and justice.

Together, we can ensure no worker ever feels alone.