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Originally Posted by Gemini Cricket
Yes, but outside of being here illegally, don't these people also do us a lot of good? ie. These people are working the fields in Salinas. I don't see any kids right out of high school picking artichokes...
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But if they weren't here you would. Or you'd see machines picking the artichokes. If there wasn't a large supply of people willing to work under the table for very low wages either the farmers would pay more to attract workers (and we'd pay more for artichokes) or the farmers would find ways to pick the artichokes with the labor available (through efficiencies and automation).
So, instead of "these people are working the jobs that Americans don't want" maybe it is "these people are supressing wages to the point that they become jobs Americans don't want." Is it really amazing that in parts of the country without a large number of illegal immigrant these jobs that "no American wants" still get done. Why is it mildly shocking to eat in a restaurant in Minnesota and see the tables bussed by white people?
The issue of the people who have been in this country illegally for a long time is the part that really screws up this debate. I think most people agree that strong border enforcement is a reasonable governmental function. What do we do with the people already here? Is it fair to deport a 22 year old who came to the country with her parents when she was 3 and has known no other home? No, not really. But is it fair to give her citizenship and jump her ahead of the millions of people trying to do it through proper channels? No, not really.
I don't really have a problem with amnesty of those already here. Not as a general concept. The problem is that it creates an incentive for people to come here illegally in increasing numbers. All they have to do is get here and hide long enough and eventually they'll be made legal. It happened in the aftermath of the last amnesty and reports are that illegal crossings are up since the recent talk of new amnesty has begun. There isn't an easy answer and no matter what policy is enacted it is going to be unfair to a large number of people.