Illegal child labor should cause outrage

I had the great privilege of completing a summer internship in the now historic Hull-House in Chicago in the early 1960’s, more than 50 years ago. During that time, the Hull House was gradually closing, as the neighborhood it served had moved. I was astonished to learn that in “the olden days” (think 1920’s) the settlement house served immigrant families whose children worked in factories, and often did not attend school. Frequently, little children were tied to furniture all day, while their parents worked.

We have come a long way since then. However, during the pandemic agricultural businesses were caught illegally employing underage children working in dangerous conditions, often at night. In the past two years at least 10 states have introduced or passed bills that weaken child labor protections. Children can work with restrictions at the age of 10 in some states, and the Iowa legislature recently passed a provision that businesses and factories would not be liable for injuries or deaths of children employees.

In 2023, we are replicating dangerous conditions for children seen more than 100 years ago.

Where is the outrage? It seems focused on attacking those waiting at the southern border, who could take up the jobs the children are doing. So, let’s allow more people into the country and at the same time strengthen and enforce bills that protect children from dangerous labor conditions. That action would be compassionate, humane, and a win-win for both immigrants and children, and the nation.

Nancy Street

Cheney