The United States has long been a favourite destination for migrant workers. Much of what they earn is sent back home to support families who often rely on the money to put food on the table.

But with times so tough in the US, in some cases the money is making a reverse trip - back to the workers who are struggling in America.

As part of the BBC's Taking the Pulse of the Global Economy, Karen Nye reports from New York - and the plight of migrant workers as jobs try up, and they need the support of their families back home.

First broadcast on World Business News on 18 June 2009