It is an interesting discussion posted and I scoff at those that believe their is such a simple solution to such a complex problem. Even if elimination of min wage was the solution, there is no way it would ever become a reality. The difference between Econ 101 and reality is... reality. Could you imagine the political uproar of lower class workers when we told them they would be earning 50% less per hour because a bunch of middle class, ethnocentric idealists were not comfortable with the changing times? The fact of the matter is that this debate is about costs. The number one cost associated with UNDOCUMENTED (not illegal- since being here without a visa is a civil matter, not a criminal one) is the loss to our social programs that have become over taxed due to the influx of workers that use the systems that they do not pay for. This cost is estimated to be approx. 65 Billion per year. This, however, would be solved through a guest worker program in which workers would be taxed accordingly, thus eliminating these costs. Furthermore, the second largest cost of undocumented workers is simply a logistical one. The government is spending inordinate amounts of money in the enforcement of our immigration policy. Prosecution and detainment of undocumented workers is expensive. If they were encouraged to become guest workers, they could be much more easily dealt with at lower costs. Suffice to say, it is easier to manage people that cooperate with you than to manage people that hide from you. My biggest question posed to those so in opposition to a guest worker program is, do you really believe that a program of this type would have any adverse effect on YOUR standard of living? I believe not. In fact, 98% of jobs taken by undocumented workers are those of the "high school dropout" levels. And even in the case of high school dropouts, they are not a large enough class to fill the demands for jobs of their caliber. In fact, filling these jobs with immigrants is more likely to have the effect of meeting labor demands and increasing output of labor intensive industries, thus raising GDP and adding a boost to our economy. On a final note, I would like to say it frustrating to see debates dissolve into partisan name-calling. The fact of the matter is, most people that bash on the basis of their party being better then another persons, do not fully understand the ideologies of the party they support OR the party they bash. Even if I am wrong about this latter fact, I do not believe that immigration is a partisan issue and thus, should not be treated as one. Props to anyone who actually read all of this. I cant wait to get hated on by everyone
Illegals are better workers than fat lazy unionized American workers. Capitalism will win this debate. Import the hard-working illegals from Mexico, deport welfare loafers to Socialist Canada.
Oh yes, what a wonderful idea. And how exactly is someone working at, say, McDonalds, supposed to put a roof over their head if minimum wage were to be cut in half? Heck, I don't know how many individuals survive even with the current level of minimum wages where I live (I believe it's $7.00/hr). Yes, you could argue from an economics perspective that a price floor can create inefficiencies/problems, but that government imposed floor exists for a damn good reason.
I'll tell you how they survive. Most don't own a car,have student loans, or buy an expensive house, nor any house, nor do they buy 50 inch tv's, eat out at restaurants twice a week, nor shop at Neiman Marcus. They live in cheap apartments with 5 people all making minimum wage.
thrilla said: "My biggest question posed to those so in opposition to a guest worker program is, do you really believe that a program of this type would have any adverse effect on YOUR standard of living?" Would someone getting shot in the head by a shotgun have any effect on MY standard of living". No. I guess by your logic, I shouldn't care, and we don't need laws against that sort of thing.
wow, a terrible idea. hell, we could import computer programmers en masse from india, and I'd soon be making $3.50 an hour. better yet, they could all sail over here illegally ... and then demand amensty HELL OF A PLAN FOR A STRONG COUNTRY
I believe you missundersood the statement. The "law" of a new guest worker program benifits immigrants. If it has no adverse effect on anyone else, why should we denounce it when it has no negative effect on us?
if/when the housing and building bubble deflate and the general economy slows down the illegals from the south will be squeezed out by our domestic workers. right now inflation is high (depending on which cpi you believe) and unemployment is low so there is no competition. in fact i think jobs are welcome. i can see hostility increase when the economy is no longer that forgiving.