By Making Contact 
The recent firing of 1,800 workers at the American Apparel factory in LA has been cited by many as the Obama administrations "new approach" to immigration policy. Instead of rounding up undocumented workers and putting them into detention, as was done by the Bush Administration, the federal government pressured, and some say forced, American Apparel to fire those who couldn't prove they were in the US legally.
Some say this appraoch is no better than Bush's. Others believe it to be a slightly more human approach toward immigration policy.
This series of events leaves us with many questions: Where will these workers end up? How will the loss of 1,800 jobs effect the Latino population in LA, and the city as a whole?
This radio story will be done over a couple of months, following some laid-off workers to see where they end up, and how their families cope with the situation. it will also examine what happens to the American Apparel company, which has been cited as one of the most compassionate and fair companies, expecially to immigrant workers. Who will they hire to replace these fired workers?
The 8-10 minute radio piece will be part of a half hour program, comparing the LA situation with previous work place raids in laurel, Mississippi, and Postville Iowa.
This story will help us evaluate the new approach to 'the immigration problem,' so the community can advocate for just and fair solutions and policies. Giving the reporter time to investigate will eliminate snap reactions and quick judgements many have made about this incident.
Reporter Patrick Burke's website is at http://www.burkepost.com. He is an audio and video journalist based in Los Angeles. His recent work has been for The New York Times, The World, Current TV, and many smaller outfits. Click into his profile to see more.
An 8-10 minute radio story, and a video piece of undetermined length.
