WINTER FREEZE LEAVES MEXICAN CITRUS WORKERS IN UNCERTAIN STATUS
A study at the University of California at Berkeley based on Department of Labor statistics estimates that 43% of citrus workers in California are undocumented aliens. Winter weather frequently makes life for these people very difficult since they are unable to work, unable to make money, and lack access to public assistance. Furthermore, being considered a "public charge" makes one ineligible for immigration. The INS has said that it would look at receipt of one-time weather related government assistance differently than habitual use of welfare, but immigrant advocates fault the absence of a clear statement of what effect weather related aid would have. 
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