[tivodan1116]

Quote by: rmnunez That if one were available is the rub, some think there are plenty of able-bodied united statians in need of work, that the unemployment figures are completely wrong.

Obviously there aren't, or the owners would hire them.

Again I ask: Why would any employer, especially given the current political climate, rather break SEVERAL rules then a FEW? Hire a poor American under the table, you break some tax laws. Hire an illegal immigrant, you break all of those PLUS immigration laws.

I think for US citizens to be available for seasonal farmwork and such stoop labour it would take a bit more money than what the undocumenteds are paid.

You'd be surprised, they are paid quite well and far above minimum wage, contrary to popular belief.

But it might take more money. That is because US citizens have decided they are too good to do that kind of work. It is also because of our comprehensive network of social services that, in effect, create a much higher minimum wage than the stated one. If a person can get their housing, food, and clothing paid for in welfare and housing assistance, and that allows them to lead a lifestyle equal to a certain wage, why break their backs for less? Getting rid of our bloated social services would do more to reduce illegal immigration than any stupid and unenforceable immigration laws.

I also expect US citizens, better aware of their rights and unimpeded by any need to work covertly, would demand safer and more healthy work conditions. They'd want a 40 hour workweek, 8 hour days, overtime, face masks and gloves when using pesticides. US citizens picking crops would expect certain amenities like breaks, drinking water, latrines, medical attention when injured and workers' compensation if this kept them from work. I'd expect they could form unions and if they did then there'd be other collective bargaining gains like optical and dental benefits, profit sharing, pension plans and other added expenses.

But as I explained above, if the choice was between starving and being homeless, or doing the work, most of them would do it. Our comprehensive system of social services has created the market for illegal immigration by pricing Americans right out of the market.

Many Americans currently work in jobs where they do not get a break, or get paid cash, or do not get overtime, etc.

They sleep in shacks at encampments, how would thse need to be improved to accomodate US citizens with their rights? Separate dorms for women, cafeteria, dressing rooms, daycare, other amenities?

Citizens wouldn't need these camps, because they have homes to go to and could get places where they need not hide from INS officials.