Looking at the economics of this it is tough to understand why this would be preferable to taking a low wage but consistent job or jobs combining Walmart, 7/11, McDonalds, etc. The McDonalds near me where I buy coffee (and very rarely anything else) seems to prefer these older, reliable workers who can communicate in the native language.
Probably cost of living.
I’m horrified at the cost of rent in a lot of places and it is pretty high here considering that there are few career possibilities.