Immigrant Labor

Filipino Nurses, Healers in Trouble is a testament that no immigrant labor is above attack, no matter how privileged or educated. Under the guise of a nursing shortage, thousands of nurses and doctors have been brought into the U.S. to work as nurses. But when they speak up for their rights, which have been clearly and repeatedly violated, they are subject to attack just like everyone else.

In this case, twenty-seven nurses from the Philippines have been jerked around by the nursing homes who brought them over. Their green cards were delayed. Their initial wages were about a third of the promised rate, and even when they attained official status, they were often paid wages about two-thirds their promised and federally regulated rate. After saying enough is enough and complaining to their embassy, they decided to vote with their feet. In doing so, they were conscious about leaving at a time when there would be the least impact to the patients they cared for.

But the entire system is against them. Not only is the New York Times article on the attack, standing behind the nursing home corporations. Judges and senators are after them as well. These nurses were brought in because they're "honest, industrious and don’t complain a lot". That will be enforced by law, if need be.