Child labor persists in the United States, as evidenced by a recent lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Labor against Hyundai, Smart, and Best Practice Services. The case involves a 13-year-old girl working in a plant in Alabama, highlighting the vulnerability of migrant children who often end up in hazardous jobs due to their status. The Department of Labor has seen an increase in child labor violations, emphasizing the need for stronger enforcement and updated legislation.
Experts suggest increasing penalties for violations and urging criminal prosecution of companies involved in illegal child labor. They also advocate for improved Department of Labor resources and support for workers to report violations anonymously. While some progress has been made, more needs to be done to protect vulnerable youth and hold companies accountable.
Deferred action
In a positive development, the Department of Homeland Security introduced a deferred action process in 2023 to shield migrant workers from deportation if they report labor law violations. However, congressional action is needed to implement further measures to combat child labor effectively.
Despite some states strengthening tools to address child labor, concerns remain about attempts to legalize violations in certain industries. It is crucial to continue advocating for the protection of minors and the enforcement of labor laws to ensure a safe and fair working environment for all.
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