In This Issue
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Upcoming Events
Wed. September 13, 2017 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EDT
Versluis Orchards

MLA Grantors Include:









Migrant workers say they weren't paid minimum wage for their work in the company's fields.   

A federal class-action lawsuit filed in Illinois has ties to West Michigan.   
MLA Receives Grants to Ensure Safe Housing for Migrant Families & Freedom from Violence
Safe and licensed housing is integral to the health of our migrant workers. MLA receives support to conduct housing outreach to meet and educate workers where they live, observe conditions, and take action when -- as happened last week-- they find their employer housing infested with bed bugs and eggs.  
Undocumented Father Victimized by Labor Trafficking Receives Visa for Himself and Family

MLA's client, a young father, was promised plenty of work and free housing in Michigan, but soon realized he was captive, and his wages were being confiscated. 
Under constant surveillance, his captors' said he would be hurt or killed if he tried to leave, and they assaulted another man who tried.  The traffickers also withheld food for control. With help from attorney Mariza Gamez-Garcia of Migrant Legal Aid, the father fought back, and is now the proud holder of T-Visa! 
MLA Leads Effort to Save Farms, Local Food and Local Farm Jobs

Since 1978, 72,507 acres of farmland in Kent County have been lost to development. If you have a vested interest in having continued access to local food, join the Kent County Farmland Preservation group as they explore options to combat this issue. To learn more about how you can get involved, please mark your calendars for October 4, 2017 from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm at Blandford Nature Center for an opportunity to:

Hear from Farm Experts:
  • Why Kent County is Losing Farms  
  • Possible Funding Options to Save Our Farms
Help Decide:
  • Which Approach is Best for Kent County
  • What's Your Role
  • Where Do We Go From Here
Interested in attending the event? RSVP

   
New Resources and Information Center Help Prevent Unnecessary Pesticide Exposure

Congratulations to the organizers in the Pacific Northwest   
United States Supreme Court Cases of Note:
Justices side with immigrant who got bad legal advice that he would not be deported as a result of pleading guilty to an aggravated felony.
Judgment: Reversed and remanded, 6-2, in an opinion by Chief Justice Roberts on June 23, 2017. Justice Thomas filed a dissenting opinion, in which Justice Alito joined except as to Part I. Justice Gorsuch took no part in the consideration or decision of the case.   read more

JESUS C. HERNANDEZ, ET AL., PETITIONERS v. JESUS MESA, JR., ET AL. Can the family of a slain Mexican teenager sue the federal agent who shot him across the U.S.-Mexico border for damages? The U.S. Supreme Court did not answer this question on Monday, instead opting to send a case back to a lower court.  read more
MLA is dedicated to defending and preserving farmworker housing, health, income, and dignity.  
 
Sincerely,  
Teresa Hendricks
Migrant Legal Aid


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