Undocumented Workers Describe Hostility at Trump Golf Course

A Guatemalan immigrant who has been employed at President Donald Trump's golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, is risking deportation by speaking out about poor working conditions and disparagement at the resort.

When she was hired in 2013, Victorina Morales says her managers knew she was not a U.S. citizen, and subsequently helped her avoid detection by immigration authorities. Morales and co-worker Sandra Diaz told The New York Times that many of the housekeeping and maintenance staff at the golf club were undocumented. They obtained their jobs by using face Social Security cards and permanent resident cards, although Diaz has since gained a genuine Social Security card and greed card.

Morales came forward with her story after experiencing an increase in workplace abuse and discrimination, according to Times reporter Miriam Jordan.

"As Mr. Trump entered politics and then became president, the mistreatment at the hands of her supervisor — the  housekeeping supervisor, that is — worsened considerably," Jordan told WNYC's Jami Floyd. "She was taunted, called a 'dumb' or 'stupid' illegal immigrant, as she said other undocumented immigrants were referred to."

Though Morales is worried about retaliation, Jordan says the Morales and her lawyer are considering a filing a discrimination lawsuit that could eventually protect her from deportation. 

The Trump Organization told the Times they had strict hiring practices at their properties. "If an employee submitted false documentation in an attempt to circumvent the law, they will be terminated immediately," the company said in a statement to the newspaper.

Listen to the full interview with Miriam Jordan and Jami Floyd by clicking the 'Play' button above.