For me, being in the construction industry (I own a cabinet shop) the answer comes from Pure Greed. As I've previously posted, I went to a function where there were a number of big time operators. Obviously, I keep my political opinions to myself (unless axed LOL) but to hear the bragging about how cheap the illegals will work is sickening. One guy bragged how he don't allow the little guys to take breaks and thinks he's great paying them $60 to $70 a day..."but hey, they'll never make that kind of money in Mexico".
As Ex-Texan has predicted for the last couple of years, construction is dying here in Oregon, so we'll see wages go below our $7.40 state minimum wage. I can only say I'm truly sorry we have greedy people, willing slip our politicians a few bucks to ensure our laws are not followed. I'm hardly a socialist, but poor people vote Democrat. Reduce the continuing supply of cheap labor and wages will rise, and/or innovation improving production will take place.
.. Hiring illegals here is cheaper and easier than building plants overseas.
Corporate employers are hiring illegals because they work cheap. What is going to happen: Most of these illegals support the Zapatista agenda. Mexico is right in the midst of a social upheaval over the the most recent election. The government of Mexico is terribly corrupt. On top of that, banks, police, military and politicos have been bought by the drug cartels. Eventually there may be violence in the streets of Mexico. That violence may spread here, too. Those cheap laborers that employers love may turn out to be a nightmare. It could be like living through the early 1900's all over again. But employers are employing illegals they know nothing about. They will not be dealing with union organizers. Rather they will be dealing with Zapatistas. Importing a revolution is beyond stupid. It is suicidal. Congress has corrupted by easy money. We have been sold out. 'Nuff said. Check my FR page.