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Migrant Workers of the Virginia Tidewater

Jose Rodriguez

Jose Rodriguez first came to the United States in 1992 to work in North Carolina. Since 1995 he has been worked for a company in the crabbing industry in Virginia. Working his way up the ranks of his profession, Mr. Rodriguez is now a plant manager. He is in charge of bringing over employees from foreign companies, particularly from Mexico, who have H-2B visas. In this interview, Mr. Rodriguez talks about how he became a part of the industry and the obstacles that the company and its employees have faced.

Below are several excerpts from our full interview with Jose Rodriguez. Some of these clips were included in our telling of this story, Some haven't! You can view all of our clips below, and the full interview can be located at the bottom of the page.

Arrival in the United States

How the Owners of the Company Are Involved in the Migrant Worker Process

How U.S. Politics Have Impacted Migrant Workers and Businesses

The Difference in Hours Worked and Money Earned between Mexico and the U.S.

The Process of Harvesting Crabs and the Impact of COVID-19

Concluding Thoughts on the Future of the Industry

Full Oral History Interview

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5. Gregorio Lucas Caspar Mr. Gregorio Lucas Caspar is a part of the Virginia Tidewater Main Street Project. Mr. Caspar came from Mexico to continue working in agriculture along with his brother and sister. In his interview he talks about his experience working on farms in the United States. His job as well as his friends’ and familys’ jobs have been affected greatly by the pandemic as well as new policies within the United States.
10. Mateo Gomez Mr. Mateo Gomez is a migrant worker from the Chesapeake Bay area. He talks about how he has adapted to working on the coast during times of political and social change as well as the effects it has on him and his family. Mr. Gomez discusses the language barrier challenges in the working environment that he is in and how it is important to rely on the workers like they are family. Working together creates a longlasting bond that carries them throughout the season until their contract is up and pushes them to work hard not only for the company but for their families that they are supporting.