The United States is grappling with a notable increase in child labor violations, with federal authorities reporting a 70% rise in illegally employed children over the past five years.

This surge disproportionately affects unaccompanied migrant children, who are increasingly found working in hazardous industries across the country. The issue has drawn attention to the historical role of labor protections and the current challenges in safeguarding vulnerable youth.Historically, labor unions have played a pivotal role in the fight against child labor in the U.S. Organizations like the American Federation of Labor (AFL) actively campaigned for legislation to protect children from exploitation, advocating for minimum age laws and safer working conditions throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Their efforts were instrumental in the passage of landmark laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which set federal standards for child employment.Despite these established protections, recent investigations have uncovered widespread exploitation. Migrant children, some as young as 12, are reportedly engaged in grueling and dangerous jobs in sectors including meatpacking, construction, and manufacturing. These children, often fleeing poverty and violence in their home countries like Haiti, enter the U.S. and become vulnerable to exploitation, sometimes working to pay off debts incurred during their journey.In response to these revelations, the U.S. Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services have announced measures to combat illegal child labor, including increased investigations and calls for higher penalties for violating companies. However, efforts are complicated by recent legislative changes in several states that have loosened child labor protections, creating new avenues for exploitation.The situation underscores the complex challenges faced by children, particularly those from vulnerable populations, in the U.S. labor market. As one social media user, Petronius Arbiter, commented on the issue, "> The unions were supposed to protect these kids— not Haitian migrants." This sentiment, while opinionated, highlights a public perception that protection should extend to all children, irrespective of their origin, and points to the ongoing need for robust enforcement of child labor laws.