http://www.insidebayarea.com/dailyrevie ... ci_3191031

Day laborers take work where they find it
Migrants hoping to be hired gather in Fremont parking lot
By Scott Wong, STAFF WRITER

A year ago, Francisco Alva sneaked across the U.S.-Mexico border near Tijuana with little more than a second-grade education, a few bucks in his pocket and God by his side.
The deeply religious 23-year-old spent the next week walking to Phoenix, then was given a lift to San Jose, where he found a tiny apartment to share with five other roommates.

Most days, Alva rises early. He drives a used, primer-painted sedan to the Home Depot in Fremont by 8 a.m., pulls into the back of the store's parking lot and waits for work.

Wearing a faded jean shirt and pants, a black cap and work boots, Alva is one of more than 20 day laborers â€â€