An undocumented worker revealed that, while working at the Tesla site, they used a fake identification, while another presented documentation from a family member to be able to work. Such situations of undocumented workers are common in projects with high security standards, where contractors resort to such tricks to maintain their employment. Often, preference is given to American citizens due to strict regulations, but E-Verify does not always detect forgers, allowing these workers to continue performing at the workplace.
Juan, from Colombia, worked for almost a year for a subcontractor on the Tesla project and found himself in a situation of rejecting many other workers due to lack of proper documentation to work in the United States. The main motivation of these workers was to keep a low profile and be able to work, as is the case for most migrants in a similar situation. Often, the need to stay employed outweighs other considerations, such as the legality of their situation.
The construction workers who collaborated on projects for Tesla were mostly family fathers who migrated to the United States in search of opportunities to support their children. However, despite the importance of workplace safety, they often faced the dilemma of working quickly and safely at the same time. The pressure to complete projects in the shortest time possible often conflicted with the adequate safety measures that needed to be implemented.
In the construction industry, the reliance on immigrant workers is increasingly pronounced, especially in projects of the magnitude of Tesla's expansion in Texas. In these projects, multiple levels of contractors and subcontractors can be found between the owner and the workers on site, creating a complex employment chain. The need for labor often leads contractors to hire workers through intermediaries, who can provide both undocumented workers and American citizens at lower costs.
In these work environments, risks and precarious conditions may affect the safety and well-being of workers. The lack of compliance with safety standards, as well as the pressure to speed up production, can endanger the integrity of workers. Despite regulations and safety agreements, situations often arise where workers are forced to face unsafe conditions in their workplace.
