Wouldn't it be nice to see the details of the Bush temporary guest worker program before folks lash out? This is one issue where the devil is in the details. If the Bush plan involves temporary workers filling slots no one will accept where the minimum wage is offered, while the prevailing wage is materially higher for such jobs, than I will lash out. But Bush has not clarified that point. Until he does, what we have here, metaphorically speaking I hasten to add, is premature ejaculation.
I understand, but look at how this country was built. Interestingly, the GOP leader in Michigan said several months ago that our economy here was so bad because of high wages. Everyone lashed out at her. Today the University of Michigan released a study that said the Michigan economy is not rebounding because of...high wages (causing business to go to other states and failing to attract new business). Which is all to say, these are complicated times, even with out the immigration question.
How can the prevailing wage be higher for jobs no one will accept?
I've lived in both union shop states and free states. The mentality of union members is incredibly socialistic.
In free states, a man's labor is his to sell for as much as he can get for it or as little as he is willing to take for it.
Experience, training, ability, age, skills, attitude, race, appearances, language, religion, personality, and, yes, also immigration status factor into the amount a man can get for his labor in a free state.
Illegals sell their labor for as much as they can just like everyone else. A skilled bodyman, mechanic, or bricklayer can command high wages regardless of his immigration status.
The only people working for minimum wages are the unskilled or untrained, whether they are illegal, legal or citizens.