day laborer

Roman Perea, 62, a day laborer who lives in the desert town of California City, waits for work opportunities at a local Home Depot each morning.

And most of those counted as employed are stuck in precarious circumstances as day laborers and farm hands, lacking reliable wages and government workplace protections.

Her husband, who shares her fears for their safety, used to work as a day laborer but has rarely left their home in weeks.

Though they are not eligible to work legally, some parents do find informal jobs as day laborers, babysitters, dishwashers or street vendors, she said.

After leaving New Mexico, Woods said he worked as a day laborer in El Paso then got a job at a laundromat in Las Vegas.