The Washington Times
WASHINGTON, DC -- A D.C. Council member is requesting $400,000 in city funds to put a day-laborer center in a Northeast shopping center. But it is unclear whether city officials will check the immigration status of the mostly Hispanic job-seekers that congregate at the site.
About 200 workers, many of whom are Hispanic day laborers, wait for work each day outside the Home Depot store at 901 Rhode Island Ave. NE, said council member Harry Thomas Jr., Ward 5 Democrat.
Mr. Thomas proposed building the center after neighbors complained about loitering and public urination in the area.
William Shelton, an advisory neighborhood commissioner in the area, said plaza patrons also are intimidated when approached by would-be workers, seemingly "without any rhyme or reason."
Posted by Richard at May 12, 2007