In a tragic incident that occurred on March 26, a cargo ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse and leading to the deaths of six construction workers. The identities of the deceased were revealed as Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Carlos Hernandez, Miguel Luna, José Mynor López, and Maynor Suazo Sandoval.

The families they left behind in Mexico and Central America, as well as those they built in the Baltimore area, are now coming together in mourning after years of separation and uncertain immigration statuses. These workers were part of an immigrant workforce that contributes significantly to the construction industry in the Baltimore-Washington area, where nearly 40% of construction workers are immigrants.

The immigration system in the United States is complex and restrictive, leaving many workers in a state of limbo. Even those who have worked legally in the country for years still face difficulties in achieving citizenship. For construction workers, who play a pivotal role in building and maintaining the nation's infrastructure, the lack of a clear pathway to citizenship is particularly jarring.

Tom Perez, a senior White House advisor and former Maryland and U.S. labor secretary, emphasized the crucial role played by immigrant workers in shaping the nation. He highlighted that despite their contributions, many of these workers still lack the bridge to citizenship, even though they have been in the country for decades and their children are U.S. citizens.

The bridge collapse has united the immigrant community in Baltimore, reminding earlier immigrants of their own journeys and struggles. They recognize the risks and sacrifices made by those who come to the United States in pursuit of a better life. Maria Alvarado, an immigrant from El Salvador who arrived in 1998, expressed empathy for the victims and acknowledged the pain of seeing people perish while chasing their dreams.

The tragedy also shed light on the challenges faced by immigrants in navigating the citizenship process. The current immigration policy has become a political battleground, resulting in a restrictive and convoluted system. Immigration expert Elizabeth Keyes explained that individuals must fit into specific categories determined by Congress, with limited options available and extensive waiting periods.

This environment of uncertainty leaves even documented workers fearful of reporting abuses or seeking the assistance they are entitled to. Exploitation becomes a constant concern, as employers may take advantage of their undocumented status, leading to unpaid wages and unreported injuries.

While the political debates surrounding immigration may seem distant to those directly affected by the bridge collapse, efforts are being made to support the families during this difficult time. Tom Perez, who has taken a leading role in the Key Bridge recovery efforts on behalf of President Joe Biden, has connected the grieving families with officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to facilitate their travel for funerals. These efforts aim to provide humanitarian assistance to ensure the families can mourn and honor their loved ones.

As the families of the deceased construction workers navigate the process of repatriating their loved ones' remains, the tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by immigrants in the United States. It underscores the need for comprehensive immigration reform that provides clarity and a fair pathway to citizenship for those who contribute to the fabric of American society.