POV Season 34 Episode 7 Fruits of Labor

Fruits of Labor is an episode of the documentary series POV, which premiered as part of its 34th season. The episode follows 17-year-old Ashley Solis, an undocumented immigrant living in rural California with her family and working long hours in the fields to support them.

Ashley dreams of attending college and becoming a teacher, but her immigration status makes it difficult for her to access financial aid or even apply to most schools. As a result, she spends most of her time in the fields, picking strawberries and grapes alongside her family members and other workers.

The episode provides a detailed look at the challenges and struggles faced by Ashley and other undocumented immigrants working in the agricultural industry, including low wages, dangerous working conditions, and the constant fear of deportation. Director Emily Cohen Ibañez gives viewers an up-close and personal view of Ashley's life, following her as she goes about her daily routine and interacts with her family members and coworkers.

Despite the incredible hardships she faces, Ashley remains a tenacious and determined young woman. She speaks out about the need for better working conditions and treatment of workers in the fields, and she continues to pursue her dreams of higher education, even as she struggles to make ends meet.

Throughout the course of the episode, viewers also meet a number of other workers and advocates who are working to improve conditions for those in the agricultural industry. From a union organizer fighting for better wages and benefits to a lawyer helping workers navigate the complex immigration system, these individuals are all deeply committed to fighting for the rights of farmworkers and undocumented immigrants.

Ultimately, Fruits of Labor is a powerful and moving look at the human cost of our country's food system and the resilience and strength of those who are fighting for a better future. It provides an important window into a hidden world, one that is often overlooked and ignored by those in positions of power. By shining a light on the struggles and triumphs of Ashley and others like her, the episode helps to raise awareness about the labor and immigration issues that continue to plague our country today.