Curated OER
The Economics of Risk
Students consider the plight of immigrant food industry workers in the United States. In this social justice lesson, students identify the pros and cons of being an undocumented worker in the U.S. and discuss labor laws.
Harvard University
Harvard Univ. Library: The Tide of Immigration: The Alien Contract Labor Law
This chapter from a 1916 book by Frank Julian Warne, titled The Tide of Immigration, outlines how the so-called native workers' jobs should be protected from the influx of immigrants. Read about the law that made it illegal for...
Other
Protesters Rally Against Illegal Immigration Bill
May, 2006, coverage of a Chicago rally to protest legislation proposed in the House of Representatives that would strengthen border protection as the U.S. tries to halt illegal immigration. Video and photo slideshow of the protest...
PBS
News Hour: Mexicans React to Immigration Crisis in u.s. (2006)
Fascinating look at the Mexican viewpoint of the immigration debate in the United States. Transcript, audio, and video of this July, 2006, report available.
Digital History
Digital History: Haymarket Square Riot
A description of the Haymarket Square riot and its cause. Find quotes from the Chicago Tribune which called the protesters insurrectionists, and two Illinois governors who doubted the guilt of those rounded up, charged, and convicted of...
Digital History
Digital History: The Introduction of the Factory System
The factory system revolutionized manufacturing and the employment of unskilled workers to man the factories. Read about the young children, women, and, later, immigrants who provided the labor to the textile mills and other...
USA Today
Usa Today: States Try to Block Illegal Workers
Article covers the continued controversy surrounding illegal immigration. The debate has moved to the states as over 30 states have now enacted laws to crack down on illegal immigration. July, 2006.
Virtual Museum of Canada
Virtual Museum of Canada: Community Stories: Millertown 1900 Men Horses Oxen Steam
The founding and development of Millertown in central Newfoundland is profiled. One man's vision created this logging town in the wilderness. Archival photographs and documents are included
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Railroad Strike of 1877
This article from the Encyclopedia of Chicago explains how a strike by railroad workers in West Virginia eventually made its way to Chicago and was taken up by workers from many industries. See how city officials resolved this general...
Other
Cosh: Immigrant Worker Resources and Links
This site from the COSH Network provides surveys on the conditions and risks that immigrant workers face including papers on fatal occupational injuries and "Reaching Spanish-speaking workers and employers with Occupational Safety and...
University of California
Uc Berkeley: America's Borders and Terrorism: The Waiting Game
The impact of September 11th on Mexican immigrants is discussed here. Many immigrants are faced with a decision of staying in America or returning to their home country.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: Nation Sees Effects of 'Day Without Immigrants'
A brief look at the nationwide boycott by immigrants that took place across the nation on May 1, 2006 and its effect if any on our economy.
USA Today
Usa Today: Towns Take Aim at Illegal Immigration
This article examines the battle over illegal immigration.
USA Today
Usa Today: Immigrants Say 'We Need to Be Heard'
Article describing the boycott of businesses and schools by immigrant rights supporters that took place on May 1, 2006. Discusses the impact of the protests nationwide. Links to other articles on immigration.
CommonLit
Common Lit: "The Circuit: Stories From the Life of a Migrant Child" by F. Jimenez
A collection of autobiographical short stories about a boy whose family moves from America to Mexico where they become migrant workers. Selected (6) reading passages (grades 5-8) to pair with "The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Text Sets: Workers' Rights
As America grew, so did its production of agriculture and manufacturing, leading to a rise in workers and their demands. Study the history of worker's rights in America from the Industrial Revolution to today. This collection includes 13...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Book Pairings: "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Munoz Ryan
Esperanza is a young girl forced to leave behind a life of luxury in Mexico for a farm workers camp in California. The new experience brings Esperanza timeless lessons on life and love. Selected (7) reading passages (grades 5-8) to pair...
PBS
The Sixth Section
Site is a companion piece to a PBS special on a group of Mexican immigrants who live and work in America but send their money back home to Mexico.