In Michigan today, thousands of people labor in the most dangerous jobs—on farms, in construction, in factories. But if one of these workers is undocumented and gets seriously injured, they’re left with nothing. No pay. No medical coverage. No protections. Just pain, fear, and mounting bills.

That’s what happened to Carla, a farmworker who spent 10 years harvesting Michigan’s crops. When a forklift crushed her foot, she was denied the workers’ compensation her employer provides to other injured employees—because of her immigration status.

Michigan is one of the few states that explicitly denies injured undocumented workers the right to collect wage-loss benefits, even though employers still rely on—and profit from—their labor. A 2003 court decision is still being used to justify this, despite the fact that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that immigration status alone isn't a valid reason to deny workers’ compensation.

Now, a case brought by the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center is before the Michigan Supreme Court. The outcome could change everything. But justice shouldn’t have to wait on court battles.

We’re calling on Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan state legislators, and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to act now. Change the policy. Make it clear: all workers in Michigan deserve the same protection when they’re hurt on the job—no exceptions.

Denying benefits only encourages bad employers to hire vulnerable workers they can discard without cost. It makes workplaces more dangerous for everyone. And it violates the basic principle that if you get hurt doing your job, you should be able to heal without losing everything.

This isn’t just about immigration. It’s about fairness, public safety, and human dignity. Sign now to demand equal workers’ comp for all.