Illegal immigration = unemployment?
Underlying the push for legalizing, one way or another, undocumented workers has always been the claim that “Americans won’t do those jobs.” If you can convince me, I might support a “guest worker” or “temporary green card” solution, or even the proposal to allow some people to earn legal status and/or entry onto the path toward citizenship.
But to do that, two things must be done: First, Congress must create a meaningful minimum wage that will apply across the board, from strawberry pickers to kitchen help (and I will gladly pay more for berries and meals if that happens), and then enforce existing laws against hiring undocumented workers — and let’s just see what happens to our economy then!
Anyone paying attention knows that there are many, many unemployed in America; some are unskilled, others have been laid off and their skills are no longer sought after in their local economies. Not to mention the hundreds of Gulf Coast residents uprooted from home and work by Katrina! These people cannot live on wages of $3 or $5 an hour, so yes, they won't take the jobs that undocumented workers seem happy to have.
However, enforcing existing laws isn't that simple anymore, because of the problems of determining whether someone is legal, since it is so easy to counterfeit documents; it might even come down to national identity cards. I personally have no problem with making biometric national identity cards available to all citizens or legal residents wishing to apply for them (as opposed to making them mandatory or having to produce them on demand to just anyone who asks). After all, we already have to provide driver’s licenses to board flights or receive medical treatment (or to drink in Waxahachie!).
Where I differ with those opposed to the concept of a national ID card is that while it would be undisputed evidence of identity, I propose that carrying it would be absolutely voluntary.
I came to this conclusion after finally conceding that my social security number has become that de facto, rendering almost meaningless the argument against it. And the argument for becomes more compelling not only because it could document the right to work in the US, but also to make access to public transportation easier and more secure.
But to do that, two things must be done: First, Congress must create a meaningful minimum wage that will apply across the board, from strawberry pickers to kitchen help (and I will gladly pay more for berries and meals if that happens), and then enforce existing laws against hiring undocumented workers — and let’s just see what happens to our economy then!
Anyone paying attention knows that there are many, many unemployed in America; some are unskilled, others have been laid off and their skills are no longer sought after in their local economies. Not to mention the hundreds of Gulf Coast residents uprooted from home and work by Katrina! These people cannot live on wages of $3 or $5 an hour, so yes, they won't take the jobs that undocumented workers seem happy to have.
However, enforcing existing laws isn't that simple anymore, because of the problems of determining whether someone is legal, since it is so easy to counterfeit documents; it might even come down to national identity cards. I personally have no problem with making biometric national identity cards available to all citizens or legal residents wishing to apply for them (as opposed to making them mandatory or having to produce them on demand to just anyone who asks). After all, we already have to provide driver’s licenses to board flights or receive medical treatment (or to drink in Waxahachie!).
Where I differ with those opposed to the concept of a national ID card is that while it would be undisputed evidence of identity, I propose that carrying it would be absolutely voluntary.
I came to this conclusion after finally conceding that my social security number has become that de facto, rendering almost meaningless the argument against it. And the argument for becomes more compelling not only because it could document the right to work in the US, but also to make access to public transportation easier and more secure.
posted by The Voice | 9:52 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home