Replies

So the illegals make the long, difficult, voluntary trip to Washington just so the growers can abuse them?... Right. Look, SJ -- there's plenty wrong with illegal immigration. But the work is not "abusive." It's a voluntarily employment agreement, and to the illegals it's pretty good income. It's about as free-market a system as you're likely to see these days....FYI, after apples and pears are done, many of the illegals take their pay back down to Mexico and then come back again the next year.

The system is abusive. Illegals are paid less than legal workers, Americans or H2 holders. Working conditions may or may no meet legal standards. Social costs are paid by the taxpayer. Immigration and tax laws are violated as a matter of doing "business". In my view, the blame lies largely with the employers, and law (non) enforcement, from immigration to the IRS.

BTW, a legal, H2 visa holder can travel to the US, fare usually paid by the employer, work hard, earn money, take it back to Mexico, and come back next year. All in the light of day. And in fact they do, I've posted several articles on operations using H2 workers.

Personally, I'd like to see the program require some level of medical and liability insurance required as well.

The system is abusive. Illegals are paid less than legal workers, Americans or H2 holders.

How is it abusive? The illegals voluntarily accept the lower wages. They can leave if and when they want ... but they don't. The growers can't really afford to pay much more, and still stay in business.