Destruction In Wake Of Beijing's Migrant Evictions

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 05: Buildings demolished by authorities are seen in an area with former migrant housing on December 5, 2017 in the Changing District in Beijing, China. Thousands of migrant workers have been forcibly evicted in recent weeks in a sweeping government safety campaign following a deadly fire at a housing settlement. Many migrants, who came to Beijing from poor rural areas to find employment, say they were given little notice to leave and cannot afford to move somewhere else. The government's plan to demolish the buildings was actually announced in a 2015 strategy to reduce and cap the capital's population, but the mass evictions were accelerated after the fire and have stirred public backlash. The migrant population typically work in jobs such as construction, sanitation, and deliveries that have effectively built Beijing and keep it running. Some companies announced assistance and temporary housing for employees who have been affected, but many migrants say they have little choice but to move back to their hometowns. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)