I know the default positions on both the left and right. The right wants migrant workers for cheap labor (and to undermine unions and worker rights, of course). The left doesn’t necessarily want millions of undocumented people streaming over the border, but if they’ve been here working, paying taxes, and obeying the law, there is a humanitarian argument for cutting them some slack.
I’ve been thinking about this immigration bill the senate passed. I’m not familiar with all the details. I understand that it does have provisions for a guest worker program, and allowing illegal immigrants to pay a fine and get in line for a process that ultimately makes them legal. And something about increasing a guest worker program too, I think.
There's no doubt that certain, discrete sectors of the american economy may well need foreign documented guest workers. I've worked in the fields of california's agricultural heartland (when I was a "starving" student). And I'm telling you, even if they paid twelve dollars an hour, you wouldn't get enough americans to do that back-breaking work. It is pure hell, as far as manual labor goes.
But, honestly, as much as I think comprehensive immigration reform is the only pragmatic solution possible (we’re not going to be able to deport 12 million people), I have a sneaking suspicion this bill is a Trojan horse. A sneak attack on unions. And let’s face it: Unions are one of the last, and strongest bastions of economic justice and progressivism remaining. Since the Reagan years, there has been a concerted assault by the right, to kneecap them (assisted by some Democratic enablers). As much of a bleeding heart as I am, I can’t help but feel that (possibly) this legislation is ultimately destined (intentionally or unintentionally) to flood the labor markets with cheap labor, and weaken unions.
I have no confidence that the federal government (especially under republican executive control) is going to do anything substantive about employer sanctions and enforcements against hiring illegals. Analogy: It’s like giving Bush authority to use military force on Iraq, based on his promises that he will only use it if ABSOLUTELY necessary. Bush may well see this legislation as a gift horse. Of course he will do big businesses bidding and provide them cheap, legal labor. But, will he follow through on the enforcement aspects of the bill, and aggressively sanction business that hire cheap, illegal labor? I find it laughable to conclude that he will. If I had any confidence that the federal government would truly enforce employer sanctions, I wouldn’t be so worried about the prospect of robber barons and republicans in some smokey back room, giggling about the prospect of weakening unions and flooding the market with cheap labor - while only paying lip service to enforcing workers rights, wage laws, and undocumented workers.
In short, I see a republican president taking advantage of the aspects of this bill that are weighted towards improving the bottom line overhead costs for business -- but totally ignoring the parts that allegedly protect workers rights, wages, and unions.
But, that’s just my stream of consciousness for today: I’m open to learning about this legislation further and changing my mind.
I’ve been thinking about this immigration bill the senate passed. I’m not familiar with all the details. I understand that it does have provisions for a guest worker program, and allowing illegal immigrants to pay a fine and get in line for a process that ultimately makes them legal. And something about increasing a guest worker program too, I think.
There's no doubt that certain, discrete sectors of the american economy may well need foreign documented guest workers. I've worked in the fields of california's agricultural heartland (when I was a "starving" student). And I'm telling you, even if they paid twelve dollars an hour, you wouldn't get enough americans to do that back-breaking work. It is pure hell, as far as manual labor goes.
But, honestly, as much as I think comprehensive immigration reform is the only pragmatic solution possible (we’re not going to be able to deport 12 million people), I have a sneaking suspicion this bill is a Trojan horse. A sneak attack on unions. And let’s face it: Unions are one of the last, and strongest bastions of economic justice and progressivism remaining. Since the Reagan years, there has been a concerted assault by the right, to kneecap them (assisted by some Democratic enablers). As much of a bleeding heart as I am, I can’t help but feel that (possibly) this legislation is ultimately destined (intentionally or unintentionally) to flood the labor markets with cheap labor, and weaken unions.
I have no confidence that the federal government (especially under republican executive control) is going to do anything substantive about employer sanctions and enforcements against hiring illegals. Analogy: It’s like giving Bush authority to use military force on Iraq, based on his promises that he will only use it if ABSOLUTELY necessary. Bush may well see this legislation as a gift horse. Of course he will do big businesses bidding and provide them cheap, legal labor. But, will he follow through on the enforcement aspects of the bill, and aggressively sanction business that hire cheap, illegal labor? I find it laughable to conclude that he will. If I had any confidence that the federal government would truly enforce employer sanctions, I wouldn’t be so worried about the prospect of robber barons and republicans in some smokey back room, giggling about the prospect of weakening unions and flooding the market with cheap labor - while only paying lip service to enforcing workers rights, wage laws, and undocumented workers.
In short, I see a republican president taking advantage of the aspects of this bill that are weighted towards improving the bottom line overhead costs for business -- but totally ignoring the parts that allegedly protect workers rights, wages, and unions.
But, that’s just my stream of consciousness for today: I’m open to learning about this legislation further and changing my mind.
