The national conversation regarding immigration feels at a perpetual crossroads. But while members of the media debate the constitutionality of various policies, recent transplants from Latin America are looking for work. In cities like Los Angeles, many people find employment as mobile food vendors, working 12-hour shifts, seven days a week.

Sam Diephuis wants to document their work. Originally from San Francisco, the photographer makes his home in the charming variegation of Venice Beach, where the food vendors pictured here work. Using what limited Spanish he possesses, he has met scores of workers—and enjoyed all varieties of fruit and tacos—between Venice and East L.A.

"The project illuminated some things about immigration for me," says Diephuis. "Almost all the people with trucks, for instance, have green cards. Those I met are so proud of their trucks, and well they should be. For many of these people, what you notice is that clearly they work really hard."

Orange seller, corner of Penmar and Rose in Venice, California

Taco truck on the Pacific Coast Highway

The food

East L.A.

Ice Cream Vendor, Venice Beach

Ice Cream Vendor, Venice Beach

Grocery store on wheels, Indiana and 5th, Venice Beach

Fruit seller, corner of Sunset and Electric, Venice Beach

Taco truck owner, East L.A.

One of the many murals around East L.A.

Late afternoon in East L.A.

Taco truck against the sky

Mariachi band

Fruit vendor, Rose and Lincoln, Venice Beach