A labor advocacy coalition is accusing U.S. Customs and Border Protection of detaining and deporting cruise ship workers without due process, creating fear among foreign crews who keep the industry running and support local tourism.
The Tanggol Migrante Movement says Filipino seafarers — along with workers from India, Malaysia and other countries — are increasingly anxious during routine vessel inspections. The group estimates that about 100 workers have been denied entry at several ports nationwide, and about a dozen from the Port of Baltimore.
According to Tanggol Migrante, some are choosing to resign before their contracts end, fearing detention.
Read more (and listen) at WYPR.
