What is just a street corner for some is a start of income for others. Immigrant men stand at some of Chicago's street corners every morning to find work. This has been a popular method for many decades in the city of Chicago, but during the last few years has become more and more difficult. Most of these men lack valid documentation to work in the United States, but others do have valid documentation to work. Regardless of their status, and with the downfall of the economy in 2008 any work has gone extinct. One day laborer, Luis Perales said,"It's difficult here, but what can we do, we have to work in construction, work in roofing, remodeling, concrete, everything." Perales left his family in Mexico years ago, his two children and his wife. When talking he couldn't speak, tears ran down his face. He came to the United States believing it was easier to make money, but when he was here realized it's very hard. He works hard to send remittances back home, and hopes one day he'll see his loved ones once again.
Due to the lack of income their families suffer from hunger, cold, and insecurity. Many don't have a place to live or food to eat on a daily basis. The work these men rarely find is paid under the table from contractors, but this has its risks: