Legalize LA

Have you heard? Clothing company American Apparel was forced to fire 1,800 of its employees because of their illegal status. That number happens to be more than a quarter of their work force. Ay! Apparently, the paperwork the employees in question turned in when they were hired had some irregularities. American Apparal had been under a 17 month  investigation  by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency that led to the discovery of all of this.

Now, the reason for the investigation wasn't because American Apparel was exploiting their garment workers. On the contrary, AA employees were provided health insurance, life insurance, and they made decent money.  We're guessing the reason for the investigations started by former Presidente George Dubbya, was that he figured if the ICE investigated the companies he thought were employing illegal immigrants instead of raiding them, there would be less controversy. WRONG!  The firings have definitely stirred up some chaos, with dividing arguments being thrown around the city of Los Angeles.

With the unemployment rate where it is right now, it's no wonder the chief executive of American Apparel, Dov Charney protested with his employers against the firings over the summer. Mr. Charney says that "no matter how you we chose to define or label them, illegal immigrants are hard-working, taxpaying workers." In efforts to campaign to grant legal status to illegal immigrants, American Apparel has come out with t-shirts that display "Legalize LA." [New York Times ]

Que piensan de todo esto?

Photos via Google Images

Tags American Apparel, George Bush, Immigration, Immigration and Custons Enforcement Agency, Legalize LA, Los-Angeles