There is a big difference between “Legal” and Illegal” immigrants although the media of late has tended to blur the distinction. Legal immigrants are in the country legally and have filed the proper paperwork with the government. Legal immigrants may or may not have the right to work in the U.S. either on a short-term or permanent work permit.
Illegal immigrants, on the other hand, are in the country illegally, either through overstaying their Visas or crossing the border illegally. Illegal immigrants never have the right to work in the U.S. but often do so “under the table” or via other illegal activities. Because of their lack of legal status, illegal immigrants may be taken advantage of by employers, landlords, and criminal organizations.
In the following article, we will assume that the migrant workers are in the U.S. legally.~Tim McMahon, editor
Migrant Worker Resources:

