Because of the dismal failure of our schools especial in urban areas and big cities to teach up to date vocational education, practically the only labor force available for construction is Hispanic. Whites have a better chance to move to white collar jobs, and blacks are still worrying that grunt labor is demeaning. Before we kick out 12 million illegals, we better be sure that the workers are there to do the things we want done. That includes teaching useful trade skills.
Have a friend who retired as major player at one of America’s largest concrete construction firms who says that skills is one part, but working outside is another. He says it’s really hard to find folks who will leave the air conditioning.
I believe part of that is pay. Pay enough for it, and you’ll find them. But not if there’s an illegal work force there willing to do the same work for minimum or less.