Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc.

Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc. (CDM) is a binational, multilingual nonprofit organization that supports Mexico-based migrant workers in defending and protecting their rights as they move between their home communities in Mexico and their workplaces in the United States. Founded in 2005 by Rachel Micah-Jones, CDM has grown into a leading advocate for low-wage migrant workers, combining direct legal services, worker education, policy advocacy, and strategic litigation. The organization operates offices in Baltimore, Maryland; Mexico City; and Juxtlahuaca, Oaxaca, allowing it to serve workers on both sides of the border. CDM's work focuses on overcoming the border as a barrier to justice. It provides resources for workers and advocates, runs campaigns and targeted initiatives, and publishes research and reports on migrant labor conditions. Its digital platforms, including Contratados and El Portal Migrante, offer workers tools to share information and access support. According to the organization, it has trained more than 44,000 workers, reached 332 communities, and recovered over $50 million in earnings and damages for workers. As a nonprofit, CDM is not a commercial brand in the traditional sense, but it operates as a branded organization with a distinct identity, programs, and public presence. It collaborates with allies, fellows, volunteers, and donors to advance migrant justice. Its work has led to significant legal outcomes, including a recent $11.5 million settlement with Hyundai Mobis and Kia Georgia on behalf of migrant workers. CDM continues to be a prominent voice in the fight for migrant worker rights in the United States and Mexico.

Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc. (CDM) was founded in 2005 by Rachel Micah-Jones, a former farmworker attorney in rural Florida. The idea for CDM emerged in 2004 when Micah-Jones traveled to Mexico to meet with several of her clients in their home community. Having witnessed the abuse of migrant workers and the threats of retaliation that silenced them in the United States, she saw how these workers opened up once they were back in Mexico. This experience led her to envision a binational migrant workers' rights organization that would overcome the border as a barrier to justice. On Labor Day 2005, CDM opened its doors in Zacatecas, Mexico, led by Micah-Jones and a small but dedicated staff. The organization initially focused on meeting with migrant workers across Mexico to ensure they knew their rights before arriving at their workplaces in the United States. Over the years, CDM expanded its reach and services, establishing offices in Baltimore, Maryland; Mexico City; and Juxtlahuaca, Oaxaca. It developed digital resources such as Contratados and El Portal Migrante to empower workers with information. CDM has since trained more than 44,000 workers, reached 332 communities, and recovered over $50 million in earnings and damages for workers. It has engaged in strategic litigation, including a recent $11.5 million settlement with Hyundai Mobis and Kia Georgia on behalf of migrant workers. The organization continues to advocate for policy changes and provide direct support to migrant workers in both the United States and Mexico.

• 2005

  CDM opens its doors in Zacatecas, Mexico, on Labor Day.

• 2004

  Rachel Micah-Jones travels to Mexico to meet clients, inspiring the idea for CDM.

• CDM establishes offices in Baltimore, Mexico City, and Juxtlahuaca, Oaxaca.

• CDM trains over 44,000 workers and reaches 332 communities.

• CDM recovers over $50 million in earnings and damages for workers.

• Migrant workers reach $11.5 million settlement with Hyundai Mobis and Kia Georgia.

A binational migrant workers' rights organization that overcomes the border as a barrier to justice.

• Contratados

  A digital platform for migrant workers to share information and reviews about employers.

• El Portal Migrante

  An online resource hub for migrant workers.

• Campaigns + Targeted Initiatives

1. 1Home - Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc.cdmigrante.org
2. 2Our Story - Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc.cdmigrante.org
3. 3Centro de los Derechos del Migrante - Wikidatawikidata.org