Chicago's Rising Number of Street-Working Children Raises Safety Concerns
In Chicago, the number of children working on the streets, particularly selling flowers, is increasing. This trend is visible in areas like the West Loop, River North, and Fulton Market, where young children, sometimes as young as five, sell flowers to passersby. These children often work late into the night, sometimes without adult supervision, raising safety concerns. The situation is exacerbated by socioeconomic hardships faced by immigrant families, many of whom have recently arrived from South and Central America. The legal framework around child labor and street vending is unclear, with various city and state agencies passing responsibility for enforcement. Despite the risks, families continue this practice out of economic necessity, as highlighted by María, a single mother from Ecuador, who sells flowers with her daughter to make ends meet. 
