Despite knowing their rights when injured on the job, many Mexican immigrants in New York prefer not to assert them for fear of getting fired.

Heriberto Rivera, who works a job that offers no health insurance, vacation days or sick leave, fell down the stairs at his job. His injury barely seemed noticeable at first, but a chronic pain and swelling eventually confined him to his bed for a number of days. 

Rivera, originally from the state of Morelos, said he is aware that if a person suffers an injury on the job he should be brought to the hospital and his boss should pay for his expenses as well as sick leave, but Rivera still hasn't insisted on these rights.

Rivera shares the same concern as hundreds of other Mexican workers: even if they do know their rights, they don't step forward for fear of being left without a job.

"I still don't want to do anything," reflects Rivera, who has been unable to return to his old job because of his injury and is seeking help to qualify for low-cost health insurance. He wants to consult a medical specialist to determine if the pain in his lower back signifies mere discomfort or a bigger problem.

Left without options

The issue of workers' rights is a dilemma that thousands of immigrants face daily. The shortage of jobs is hurting one of the most vulnerable sectors of the workforce, and immigrants like Rivera can't receive unemployment benefits because of their legal status.

Authorities have said they can't do anything about this problem since it is the worker's decision to consult with the Department of Labor or with a personal injury attorney to make sure their rights are honored.

"I prefer to solve the problem in the easiest way possible, because if I end up without a job, my wife and four children will be the ones to suffer and that causes me great pain," said Rivera. He added that many other immigrants are in his same situation.