<Author>Aaron</Author>
<Topic>Migrant Workers</Topic>
<Source></Source>
<Nationality>USA</Nationality>
Migrant workers have made a great contribution to the prosperity of cities, but have also brought many problems. Migrant workers perform essential yet undesirable manual labor at low cost. However, they are difficult for authorities to monitor and often use public resources without paying for them through taxes.
In the United States, most migrant workers are illegal immigrants from Mexico. They perform a lot of important farm- and field-work that would otherwise not get done. However, due to U. S. government welfare policies, they have been a burden on the economy of the Southwestern U. S. for many years. Many Southwestern U. S. citizens resent their presence.
Chinese migrant workers are different. Most are peasants from poverty-stricken areas of Sichuan, Henan, and Anhui provinces. While they are Chinese citizens, most illegally enter cities without obtaining the proper Hukou (residence permits). They generally perform manual labor for the cities or construction companies. Some stay long-term, while others only work a short time during periods when no farming can be done in their home cities/provinces. They are a burden due to overpopulation and limited resource availability in Chinese cities.
While migrant workers perform a lot of necessary work, they bring with them many problems. Steps need to be taken to resolve the problem of migrant workers. However, it must be remembered that migrant workers are human beings with dignity and rights, and should be treated in a humane manner. Whatever steps need to be taken is up to the governments in question.
