(Illegal) Immigrant Housecleaners in Freefall
April 16, 2009 - 9:51am — jmcabrera
Immigrant Housecleaners in Freefall

New America Media, News Report, Leslie Casimir, Posted: Apr 16, 2009

Editor’s Note: Domestic workers are the first to be let go as professionals tighten their household budgets in this recession. Many are so desperate for work that they are willing to work for less than they need to make ends meet.

Since losing four of her seven cleaning jobs this year, housekeeper Veronica Nieto has started looking through trash -- plucking out recyclable cans and bottles for cash to make the rent. The mother of three rarely shops for groceries anymore. Instead, she visits three food banks for staples such as rice, beans, and onions. She stopped her cable service.

With most of her cleaning jobs gone, Veronica Nieto has started scavenging for recyclables. The mother of three says her life is in freefall.

“When I think about this situation, my back hurts, my head hurts,â€