Venezuelan immigrants without work permits in the United States are finding a lifeline by creating businesses

New immigrants who came United State Mostly since then Venezuela and Colombia Those who lack work permits have found a lifeline to generating income by taking advantage of existing laws that allow non-residents to open their own businesses.

“Many of these people arrive with strong work histories from their countries, but they do not qualify for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or a work permit. “So, they create a limited liability company (LLC) and that’s how they get contracts,” he said. Marta Hernandez, president of a cleaning company north of Denver, Colorado, explained to Efe.

Hernandez, a US citizen, constantly needs employees to clean her homes and offices. With the help of a specialized lawyer (for document and background checks), she helps interested parties open their own companies and then recruits these new companies without risking breaking the law.

“There are no laws prohibiting an undocumented person from legally establishing and owning a business in any state,” Hernandez said, adding that “any legally owned business, with its identification number and duly registered, can engage the services of another legally owned business.” “Legal”.

New works from newcomers Coloradoespecially VenezuelansThey focus on construction, landscaping or snow removal, but some of the more adventurous have mobile barbershops or food deliveries, according to information from the organization. Highland neighbors.

Examples of the struggle of new immigrants can be seen across the country. For example, in the country’s capital, dozens of migrants on scooters deliver food at home, working on platforms, after reaching this option through direct connections or after responding to advertisements on social networks to “rent” vehicles or delivery methods. As reported by the Washington Post.

“And that’s exactly what I do” Sergio Ruiz, from South America, admitted to Efe that he accepted a “borrowed route” for home delivery of meals (a procedure he completed with his limited liability company) and takes advantage of these deliveries to promote his own pastry creations.

“Monday through Thursday I deliver other people’s food. Friday through Sunday, I drive all over Denver and the northern part of Colorado with my deliveries. I cook everything in my house. “I post something on Facebook and people call me.” The immigrant explained.

Similar work is carried out by Colombian Edgar Rodriguez in California. He claims that on a good week he earns nearly $800 net, which is much more than he could earn on minimum wage.

For Ruiz, this amount is “not bad for a beginner.” “Whoever really wants to work, whether at night or in the cold or snow, can double this income,” he said.

Pew Research Center statistics show that as of June 2020, 5% of American workers (7.6 million) were undocumented, the majority of whom worked in high-risk or low-income jobs.

But the situation changed after the epidemic. For example, currently approximately 15% of health workers are undocumented. In the textile sector, they represent 11%.

However, it’s not all good news. Injustice and exploitation at work are common. Other challenges include inability to access personal protective equipment or benefits, unpredictable schedules, cultural and language barriers, wage theft, and the constant fear of deportation.

“Although the good news is that illegal immigrants can open their own businesses in the United States, there is always the risk that the immigrant will be detained or deported by federal authorities. Always remind them when hiring. In fact, the risk exists,” Hernandez commented. , whether they have their own business or have their own.” Evie