It's always hard to be an immigrant. But it's gotten harder during the recession. This four-part series looks at working conditions for immigrants in America's stalled economy.

The World's Jason Margolis traveled to Southern California to speak with immigrant workers from the Philippines, Mexico and Central America. His conversations with farm workers, day laborers, nurses and nannies reveal the cruel impact of the current recession: there are fewer jobs available, wages are being slashed, illegal immigrants are subject to increased exploitation and families of immigrant workers are struggling to get by.

Part I: The farm fields of California's San Joaquin Valley
This story is part of a joint project between PRI's The World and Frontline/World on PBS.

Part II: Immigrants in Los Angeles working in health care

Part III: Hollywood's nannies

Part IV: : Looking for work out on the corner

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For more voices from California, videos and an audio slideshow, or Jason's journal, click on the links below.