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If we get rid of the 11 million or so illegal aliens working in the country now who will do that work? **

Are trying to tell me that every single illegal is here working. Even the children, mothers and old people who are here illegally?

How does the market move skills to the most efficient area if it is paralyzed by full employment?

You are contradicting yourself. Doesn't the presence of the illegals (the 11 million plus the 8.9million) already mean that we have full employment, in fact a surplus?

What is wrong with a systematic approach in deporting them? I don't agree with the claim that our economy would come to a halt. Are you telling me that our economy is dependent on grass cutters, maids, busboys and dish washers? I hardly think so.

Funny, you did not disagree with my fundamental point, that a simple change in the law also "gets rid of" the illegal workers.

One.
The figure I was looking for was working illegal aliens. A much larger portion of illegals are in the empoyable category. The wives and children tend to stay in the home country.

Two.
No I am not contradicting myself, and yes we are about .5% or so away from what would be healthy employment levels for a healthy economy. The lowest it ever reached during the last technology boom cycle was around 4%. Look at the great things that did for us...

I double dog dare you to find an economist who disagrees with this basic theory about unemployment. (An economist, not a Journalist since conveniently under Clinton 5% was healthy, and under bush 5.9% is a disater)

The issue I am pointing out is we would be severly short if we shipped out all the illegal labor the market demands to function in a healthy manner.

Three.
I never said the economy would come to a halt. It is better to think of it as paralysis. Like running a lawn mower through thick grass, it won't be working as well as it could. In general Growth, Innovation, Productivity will all slow or reverse.

four.

"Are you telling me that our economy is dependent on grass cutters, maids, busboys and dish washers? I hardly think so."

Yes that is exactly what I am telling you.

-- lates
-- jrawk