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Wage theft in the States and limbo at the border

Aug 3, 2023

Wage theft in the States and limbo at the border

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

An online tool is helping immigrant workers file complaints against employers who owe them wages. Then, a look at the economic cost of "protracted displacement" while waiting for asylum.

Segments From this episode

Barriers to Entry

New online platform helps immigrant workers recover stolen wages

by Elizabeth Trovall

Aug 3, 2023

The process of getting back stolen wages is complicated, time-intensive and often unsuccessful. Now, a new online platform is empowering immigrant advocates by making it easier to file wage theft claims.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division found that workers were owed $213 million in back wages in 2022, though that amount could be higher due to underreporting.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Barriers to Entry

The economic cost of waiting at the border in limbo

by David Brancaccio and Ariana Rosas

Aug 3, 2023

Those waiting on an asylum request often can't move forward with a job, housing or education.

Asylum seekers wait at the pedestrian crossing at the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana. Some spend weeks, months or longer at or near the border, hoping to be granted asylum.

Guillermo Arias/AFP via Getty Images

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The team

David Brancaccio Host

Leanna Byrne Host, BBC

Kelly Silvera Executive Producer

Meredith Garretson Morbey Senior Producer

Erika Soderstrom Producer

Alex Schroeder Producer

Ariana Rosas Producer

Jordan Mangi Digital Producer

Jesson Duller Media Producer

Nick Esposito Media Producer

James Graham Producer, BBC

Jo Critcher Producer, BBC

Olie D'Albertanson Producer, BBC

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