The article examines the conditions within Borgo Mezzanone, the largest illegal migrant settlement in Europe, which has become a symbol of the challenges faced by migrant workers in Italy. Located in the region of Apulia, this settlement is home to many of the laborers who contribute to Italy's agricultural sector, particularly in tomato production, which constitutes 40% of the country's output. The living conditions are dire, with migrants constructing their own homes over several years in a makeshift community lacking basic infrastructure.

Abdul Camara, a Senegalese migrant, shares his personal story of resilience, having spent seven years building his own home in this hazardous environment. Despite the effort put into his dwelling, which comprises only basic amenities, the settlement itself is characterized by poor sanitation and unstable living conditions. The article highlights the juxtaposition between the hard work of these migrants and a labor system that perpetuates their vulnerability, created in part by the demand for cheap labor in agriculture without adequate rights or protections.

The situation in Borgo Mezzanone raises critical questions about immigration policies and labor rights in Italy and across Europe. While Spain recently approved a regularization system to support undocumented workers, the conditions in Italy illustrate the ongoing challenges migrants face, caught in a cycle of exploitation and illegality. This raises concerns not just about the individuals living in Borgo Mezzanone but about the broader implications for labor rights and integration of migrants across Europe, emphasizing the need for systemic change in how migrants are treated within labor markets.