[wrathof59]

Notice that the alternative, let's get a handle on who's here and allow people who want to come here legally and work for $12.50/hour, is not in the story, suggesting that only illegals can do this for $12.50 an hour.

meanwhile, American high schoolers and college kids, who could also use the money, are now not even an option.

I'm sick to my stomach over this bs.

[furquhart]

Not to be accused of being an apologist for illegals (I'm far from it), but I think you'd have a heck of a time finding college or high school kids willing to do such work at a moment's notice.

[MineralMan]

"meanwhile, American high schoolers and college kids, who could also use the money, are now not even an option.
"

That's a good idea, but don't hire minors to do any sort of dangerous work. Check your homeowner's insurance policy. Most will cover day laborers, but not minors.

In today's litigious world, it pays to be careful. A sprained back could cost you plenty.

[Lokibob]

You hire a local college kid and pay him $12.50 an hour. Of course, you have filled out the govt forms that say you checked his immigration status. Then there is the 6% social security as your share of the employment. Of course, you report all of this to the IRS. Then you have to report the employment to your insurance company (they are liable for accidents). Don't forget OSHA says you have to provide training for heavy lifting. I'm sure Workman's comp has to be involved.

Remember, skip any of these steps, you are violating a law or regulation.

OR...You could go to the local Home Depot...

[don-o]

Manwhile, American high schoolers and college kids

I am sure they were overlooked at the Home Depot.

Not. Hey. Maybe the guy should have cruised the Mall and Starbucks to get himm some WORKERS hired. Yes. That's the ticket

[I still care]

I've never hired an illegal. I needed a fence put up, went to the local church, and found a bunch of teens that put up my $500 fencing for $200.

The fence people gave me a figure of $2400. Yes, the kids got the gate wrong, but we can fix that easy. Teens are dying for jobs here and McDonalds only pays $6.50 an hour. It took the 3 of them 3 hours to put up my fence.

They were happy.

[Muzzle_em]

Unfortunately, most HS and college kids, even those who NEED the money, won't get their a$$es out of bed before 1:00!

[Sometimes A River]

You think American High Schoolers and College kids are as readily available for work like these guys, who are on every corner in some neighborhoods?

I can see why people would think hiring people like this is super convenient (not to mention super cheap).

[pollyannaish]

I just started working with American high schoolers and college kids within the past few years. One of the biggest disappointments of my life has been to discover just how few have any work ethic whatsoever.

When we find the ones that work hard...we bump their wages up as fast and quickly as possible, because in general we have raised a generation of spoiled children.

Many of them come to school wearing clothes and driving cars we can not afford. They have all the latest electronic trinkets and gadgets, eat out regularly, go to the movies regularly. Much it paid for by mommy and daddy and often on a credit card which is paid off each month by those same parents. It is far different than it was even 20 years ago when I was in college and it's VERY shocking.

That said, there is no reason to hire illegals—and the acceptance of using them may be partially to blame for the situation. My comment is only an observation on how we have fallen down on our responsibilities as adults to teach our children to work hard. And we have forgotten how little things we have not earned are valued and appreciated. That also makes me sick to my stomach.