By: Michael Diaz-Badillo
My time at South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) served to me as an important step towards my future career. I learned more than I could imagine about immigration law. By providing legal service to the H-2A workers, I was able to help them in a way that protected their rights as workers and humans. At SCLS, Matthew and I were able to create an English translation of our, “Know Your Rights” booklet for Hatian-Creole and South African workers. We also created audio book narration of both the English and Spanish versions of the books. In addition, we took intakes, filed paperwork for U and T visa applicants, and conducted outreach sessions.
Our latest Outreach was one I will never forget. As we finished leaving a camp, the owners of the farm close off the only exit of the camp and trap us inside. The owners then questioned us about who we were with and asked for identification. We showed them our bags and cards, but they insisted that we were on private property, and that the sheriff was on the way. We went back and forth with the owners asking them to please let us leave but they refused. It was only until a farm workers truck pulled in to the side that forced the employers to move their vehicle from blocking the exit.
We were then able to slither our way out of the exit and leave safely. Since that day, I have wondered, “what would have happened had we been arrested?” I don’t think i’ll ever know the answer to that question, but I do know that throughout that entire experience I never felt threatened by the owners’ remarks. If I had gone to jail so be it. Ultimately, I had given those workers the right information over their rights, and they could use that knowledge to help others. At the end of the day, I am a US citizen, and I am extremely privileged to be able to not only speak the language but also educated to know my rights. The workers themselves were always respectful and attentive. Anytime we would arrive, they would be very hospitable and friendly. We arranged goody bags that contained a booklet we narrated over their rights and usually some swag. I loved being able to give these workers the presentation, and interacting with them over issues surrounding their contracts or working conditions. Diana and Ruth were great supervisors and they definitely made the experience smooth.
The Legal Services Program serves low income clients in civil court, and their mission is something that I find extremely important, as I believe every civilian deserves legal representation regardless of wealth. My connections and work with the farm worker unit at SCLS helped me get a job offer at Georgia Legal Services as an Outreach Paralegal. I am extremely grateful for SAF and SCLS for helping guide me in my career journey.