In contrast to the teeming thoroughfares of Manhattan, lies a shadowy, concealed world that houses a vast number of immigrants. This world, largely unseen, forms the subject of a special report which delves into the intricate matrix of illegal trade, menacing gangs, and much more. A massive influx of immigrants, crossing over borders into our cities creates a thriving illicit economy, right under our noses but remains largely unnoticed.
How the immigrants manage to earn a living is largely influenced by their place of origin. Each nationality among the immigrants appears to gravitate towards specific occupations. For instance, many Venezuelans can be found involved in food delivery services.
However, things become complicated where jobs require a form of identification. Quite frequently, immigrants resort to renting accounts and even bicycles from others to deliver food. This means, the person delivering the food may not match the name listed on the app, and most customers don’t seem to notice or mind.
There are, of course, other ways of making ends meet. For example, one immigrant woman earns her keep by cleaning houses for cash while her husband also gets his wage in cash by working at a local grocery store. It’s their turn towards innovative solutions and entrepreneur style work as they lack access to regular job opportunities.
Throughout the narrative, expert opinions surface to shed more light on this undercover economy. One such expert perceives immigration as being a vital strength for America, viewing the ambition and eagerness among immigrants to seize opportunities for a fresh start as a valuable asset.
Perceived from this perspective, the country has a need for more diligent immigrants equipped with the right skills. However, this expert fears, that isn’t what’s happening in reality. Rather alarmingly, they suggest that New York City seems to have shifted from attracting job-seekers to attracting those seeking welfare.
This special also takes the audience through a busy area of Manhattan – the theater district – which, surprisingly, harbors a location filled with immigrants. The busy locale is colloquially described as ‘the crossroads of the world’.
Intriguingly, this isn’t the only spot within New York City that serves as a staging ground for immigrants. There are indeed several such places dotted around the city’s landscape, attesting to the sheer number of immigrants within the city.
One particularly iconic location has undergone a transformation, transitioning from its renowned identity into a hub for processing migrants, another clear indication of the influence and massive scale of migration within the city.
In the Shadow of the City: The Hidden Immigrant Economy in NY appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
