The Saipan story has been around a while, but it looks like it might get some traction now, with DeLay gone and Democrats running the House. Looks like it's time to write to our Senators and Representatives and encourage support for these people.
Ms. Magazine: Paradise Lost
Greed, Sex Slavery, Forced Abortions and Right-Wing Moralists (Spring 2006)
The backstory:
Saipan is an island in Micronesia, part of the Marianas islands, and more importantly a commonwealth of the United States. It's citizens are considered U.S. citizens and are subject to U.S. laws, like Puerto Rico for instance. Big clothing companies contract production facilities there because they can produce garments with labels that say "Made in the USA" on them. The problem is that for some reason our labor laws and immigration laws are not followed there, and it's created a terrible situation for immigrant workers. They're convinced to immigrate from China and other southeast asian nations with a promise of a job in "America", then strapped with a "recruiting fee" of $7000 (give or take) which they're required to pay back while working for sub-minimum wage pay. Many end up working unpaid overtime, having abortions because they'll lose their jobs, or turning to prostitution to try to repay their recruiting fees. The Ms. article linked above goes into all the details, but the worst part of all is how the U.S. Congress could end the problems but hasn't, thanks in large part to Jack Abramoff and pals like Tom DeLay.
The latest news:
Saipan Tribune: New federalization bill introduced in US House (July 20, 2007)
Saipan Tribune: Nonresident group asks for 'green card' (July 26, 2007)
Saipan Tribune: Over 1,000 alien workers, kids converge in Susupe (July 27, 2007)
In case you're wondering if the Saipan Tribune is biased towards the workers:
Saipan Tribune: Boycott Schmoycott (July 27, 2006, Editor, Saipan Tribune)
More about Saipain:
Saipansucks.com
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3 comments:
That newspaper is owned by Tan Holdings
Interesting. I saw your blog when I was searching out information on Saipan, interesting stuff. What's there to know about Tan Holdings? I'm not terribly well-informed about Saipan, just very curious.
New stuff via Daily Kos, which I found linked on The Saipan Blog.
A little dust-up about Hillary Clinton and campaign contributions from sweatshop / human traffickers in Saipan: The Story.
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