Fighting for Health and Justice: CATA Maryland’s Work with Immigrant Workers in 2025

Respirar's System Dynamics Workshop was held on April 23 in Salisbury, MD

At our Salisbury office, immigrant workers often come to us injured, underpaid, or afraid. Many face unsafe job conditions and threats of retaliation if they speak up—some are even warned they’ll be reported to immigration authorities. The fear of deportation keeps too many silent and vulnerable.

At CATA, we’re committed to defending both the health and rights of immigrant workers. Through outreach, education, and advocacy, we help workers understand their protections, access support, and stand up to injustice.

Studying Health Access in Poultry Processing

One of our key initiatives this year is supporting a research project led by Dr. Caitlin Ceryes of Towson University titled “Assessing Occupational Healthcare Needs and Disparities among Delmarva Poultry Processing Workers.” The study explores:

• How and when workers access care when injured or ill

• Whether workplaces offer support or medical resources

• The quality and consistency of the healthcare they receive

• The availability of health insurance or on-site nurses

  
  

CATA is providing translation services in Spanish and Haitian Creole to ensure that all workers can participate fully and comfortably. Our goal is to uplift worker voices and advocate for safer, more equitable workplaces.

RESPIRAR: Protecting Farmworker Health

Now in its third year, the RESPIRAR Project continues to address respiratory health challenges among migrant and seasonal farmworkers. In partnership with the University of Maryland and Salisbury University’s CAMP Program, we’re combining research, legal insight, and system modeling to get to the root of health disparities affecting this workforce.

A System Dynamics Workshop was held on April 23 in Salisbury, MD, bringing together farmworkers, researchers, and advocates to discuss findings from the study and begin shaping long-term solutions to the health challenges facing poultry processing workers on the Eastern Shore.

Supporting Workers with Resources and Referrals

Our Salisbury office is also a vital hub for information and support. We assist workers with questions about dual citizenship for children, passport and apostille services, immigration paperwork, and more. Many are hesitant to visit public buildings due to increased ICE activity and policing in the area.

To make resources accessible, we distribute Know Your Rights materials and red cards in Spanish and Haitian Creole at trailer parks, laundromats, and local businesses. We also participate in One-Stop Events with the Lower Shore Vulnerable Populations Task Force, offering food, clothing, and legal guidance.

Coming soon, we’ll host a “Support Meeting for Immigrant Workers” at our Salisbury office—a welcoming space where community members can ask questions, express concerns, and access reliable support.

Standing Up for Policy Change

CATA Maryland continues to advocate for policies that protect immigrant families. We’ve joined efforts with the ACLU of Maryland, the National Immigration Law Center, and Lower Shore CASA to support critical legislation, including:

• Maryland Values Act (HB1222) – Ends 287(g) agreements that let local police act as ICE agents

• Protecting Sensitive Locations Act (HB1006/SB828)

• Maryland Data Privacy Act (SB977)

  
  

On May 3, we’re hosting a Haitian community meeting to address immigrant issues specific to the Eastern Shore and build collective advocacy.

🎙️ We also speak out in interviews about how the new administration’s policies are impacting immigrants and the local economy, making sure workers' voices are front and center.

CATA Maryland stands firmly committed to defending the health, rights, and dignity of immigrant workers across the state.

Questions? Contact:

Jean-Frandy Philogene – jphilogene@cata-farmworkers.org

Leila Borrero-Krouse – lborrerokrouse@cata-farmworkers.org