But these workers aren't going to be in the Social Security system. Once they have their legal status, they must be paid at least minimum wage. At that point, these newly legalized illegals will be undercut by a new wave of illegals, who will work for less than minimum wage. And we're back to square one.
Exactly.
"At that point, these newly legalized illegals will be undercut by a new wave of illegals, who will work for less than minimum wage. And we're back to square one."
Then, being without a job to justify their work permit, they'll have to go home, won't they?
Eventually, Bush's program depends upon enforcement of a.) minimum wage laws and b.) legal entry.
But it's not unrealistic to think that such can be done. Because, prior to 1967, much the same "guest worker" policy was in force -- the so-called bracero program. It's noteworthy that, while the bracero program existed, there was no illegal immigration problem.
Indeed, the problem didn't begin to occur until the LBJ administration cancelled the bracero program at the behest of Cesar Chavez and his United Farm Workers union.