Home Worker Advocacy: Florida Report Reveals High Abuse Rates

Karla de Anda’s organization, The Right to Freedom, released a new report detailing the working conditions of domestic laborers in southern Florida. The study, conducted by the group de Anda founded three years ago, found that 67 percent of the surveyed workers had suffered some type of abuse. The data covers a region where many employees lack formal employment protections or stable immigration status.

Nationally, the domestic workforce comprises approximately 2.2 million people, the vast majority of whom are women. The Right to Freedom reports that nine out of ten of these workers do not have written contracts. Furthermore, more than 50 percent of them work over 50 hours per week. De Anda, who arrived in the United States 25 years ago as a nanny, cites her own early experiences as the motivation for creating the organization. She recalled being paid five dollars an hour, which was below the minimum wage, while performing duties beyond her agreed-upon responsibilities.

The recent Florida survey identified specific types of mistreatment, including unpaid wages, coercion, and sexual violence. De Anda described a case in Key Biscayne where a worker was assaulted in a five million dollar mansion. The victim waited one month to file a police report due to fear. Officers at the station told her it was too late to investigate the incident. De Anda noted that such cases often go unreported because workers fear their immigration status will be discovered during the process.

Immigration status plays a central role in the vulnerability of these workers. Approximately one in four domestic workers are not US citizens, though de Anda believes the number may be higher. Her organization has identified instances of visa fraud and human trafficking. In one case, a woman who had been brought in on a tourist visa by a Mexican family was helped to obtain a T visa, a status designed for victims of trafficking. She is now a citizen.

De Anda highlighted the impact of 287(g) agreements, which allow local police in Florida to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She stated that many workers now avoid leaving their homes to reduce the risk of arrest. This fear leads to underreporting of crimes such as domestic violence and theft. De Anda explained that while official crime statistics may appear to decline, this is often because victims believe reporting a crime will result in their own detention.

The organization is currently focusing on legal advice and workforce training. Staff are helping workers understand their eligibility for T and U visas. De Anda advises employees to keep detailed records of their hours and activities, including digital messages, to build a defense strategy if disputes arise. The group is also expanding its educational programs for nannies, with a specialization in newborn care and neurodivergent children.

The Right to Freedom plans to hold a graduation ceremony for a cohort of nannies who have completed this specialized training. These workers are preparing for long-term careers with a clearer understanding of their legal rights. The event will mark the completion of the current training cycle.