Workers rights groups celebrate new U.S. Labor guidelines that protect undocumented workers

Sandra Fernandez (center), a member of ARISE Chicago, holds a sign Wednesday in the Pilsen neighborhood, where labor rights organizations commended new guidance by the Department of Labor regarding immigrant workers who are facing a labor dispute. Organizers say the guidance creates “possible pathways for immigrant workers to obtain ‘deferred action’ in the cases of labor disputes.” (Pat Nabong/Sun-Times)

A slew of workers rights groups celebrated Wednesday afternoon in Pilsen after the U.S. Department of Labor announced new guidelines that would protect undocumented workers who file labor complaints against their employers from deportation.

In an announcement last week, the labor department provided guidelines for how undocumented workers can receive immigration-related protection if they file complaints.