By: Kelly Matheson, Posted: Apr 24 09

Regions: Global, North America, United States

Issues: Immigration , Labor, Labor unions

Tags: documented and undocumented workers, immigrant rights, immigration, Made in LA, video for change, worker's rights

Made in L.A. is an Emmy award-winning documentary film that tells the story of three immigrant women working in garment sweatshops of Los Angeles.  Although it portrays the dark side of consumerism, it also explores the power of workers and advocates coming together to fight for immigrant workers' rights.  In the film, the three women take a stand and fight for basic labor protections from the popular clothing retailer Forever 21.  The film highlights the ways in which the American immigration system is broken by exposing the violations of basic human rights that immigrants endure and the types of reforms that need to be implemented.  Here's the trailer:

Immigration advocates strongly believe reforms must include fair wages, fair hours, fair conditions, and an end to the exploitation and abuse of both documented and undocumented immigrant workers.  In order to protect American immigrants and workers, the U.S. needs to protect their human rights by restoring law enforcement and security for the people who need it most.  In addition, the government must strive to provide paths to citizenship as well as programs to promote the reunification of families.  America as a whole also needs to end immigrant discrimination today and to realize that to deny immigrants these basic human rights is to deny who we are and our nation's history.  Made in L.A. highlights this reality:

Looking back on the story of how the United States was built, it is impossible not to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices made by immigrants.  They came to the United States to make a better life for themselves and in turn made a better life for all members of American society.

FILM FOR CHANGE
But how can a film help bring about desperately needed reforms to one of our country's most heated debates?  Made in L.A.'s first success stems from the way in which it successfully humanizes an issue that has been suppressed for far too long.  This film has not only shares the story of three women, but it also comes to represent an entire population struggling for their basic human rights.  Hearing them tell their own story speaks volumes louder than hearing it from someone else.  Consequently, it brings home an issue that many think is far away and does not concern them, because we all share in common - with the three women in Made in L.A. too - the dream of a fair and just society.

Made in L.A. is also making a difference with its diverse and strategic outreach plan.  It's reaching people all over the world through hundreds of screenings across the USA, Latin America, Europe, Caribbean and even the Middle East.  It was broadcast nationally on P.O.V., an award-wining independent documentary showcase on PBS (public television).  But maybe almost as importantly, the film is directly reaching an audience with the power to actually enact comprehensive immigration reform - on April 1st, Made in L.A. was screened on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. to members of Congress and to national immigration advocates.  And around May Day, the filmmakers are working with a number of groups to host screenings of the film and to use it to sensitize people to the issue of immigration and supporting humane immigration reform.

MOVING FORWARD

There are a number of ways that you too can help make a difference in this debate and get engaged in the fight to build a society that protects human rights for all.  Here are a few:

1 - Host a Screening and Support the Campaign
You too can join the cause and make a difference by joining the May Day Screening Campaign.

2 - Help Raise Awareness Around the Issue of Immigration Reform
Forward the video above to your friends and colleagues to spread the word...

3 - Shop Sweatshop-Free!  
You can find a list of ways to shop sweatshop-free at Made in L.A. 's Get Involved paage (scroll down for information on sweat free communities).

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[This post was written by Nicole Schilit, WITNESS' North America Program Intern, and Kelly Matheson, North America Program Coordinator]