Replies

"Any thoughts? "

Much of the illegal alien labor is of the unskilled variety.
There are a limit to the number of jobs that match that skill set in any advanced economy. In fact, the existence of this "cheap" off-the-books labor force holds back innovation.

Let me give you a historical example. Roman industry was built on "cheap" labor (slaves). Easy access to that cheap labor meant they did not have to advance technologically. In areas where there was a shortage of cheap labor, they were forced to employ automation - such as the mill at Barbegal in France. This technology only saw limited use, as slaves were the cheap alternative - the path of least resistance, as it were. Now, imagine what might have become of the Roman Empire without that easy labor source. Imagine the industry that might have developed. They were theoretically aware of steam power. They knew how to build water wheels. They didn't. It was cheaper to not bother. Technology stagnated.

Now, a technological answer to hanging sheet-rock may not be forthcoming, but there were Americans doing that job at one point. Labor laws made the illegals cheaper in the eyes of contractors, so those jobs became effectively closed to citizens in many areas. Legalize the illegals and you don't have that cheap, off-the-books labor.

Add the net drain that illegal aliens represent in increased taxes and medical expenses and I have a hard time worrying about short term impacts to some industries.