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My hunger strike to help New York's undocumented workers

Ana Ramirez lost her job at an upmarket restaurant in New York when lockdown came into force. As an undocumented migrant worker, with no support available to her, she had to rely on foodbanks and donations to survive.

Alongside dozens of other excluded workers, she went on a 23-day hunger strike demanding a relief fund for those in her position. After protests across the state, a $2.1 billion relief package was made available.

β€œIt wasn’t just the money, it was the recognition that every day we get up with so much willingness to work,” Ana said. "I did that hunger strike at great cost - and I would do it again".

Video Journalist: Guglielmo Mattioli

Release date:

Duration:

6 minutes