"If they quit school to compete with an illegal alien desparate for it, you mean? One willing to work for less than minimum, take it in cash and shut up about it?
I mean, working after school at a fast-food place, they could be more productive than an illegal alien. At a sit-down restaurant, they would do even better. They would cover more tables, take the orders correctly in English, interact better with the customers.
Because fast food outlets only operate after 3:00 pm? Because teens are so much more attached to a paycheck, and therefore more committed? Because the FF managers would rather deal with 30 part timers, when they can hire Rosa from Zapateca to do full shifts and schedule her when they need her? Because under-the-table costs are lower than legit hires, but all employers are too honest for that? Because teens are willing to remain at the local Jack in the Box for years at the same wage?
In what way is the typical teen more productive?
At a sit-down restaurant, they would do even better. They would cover more tables, take the orders correctly in English, interact better with the customers.
Sit downs use minimum wage earners to bus tables and clean dishes. Waiting tables is a step up with access to earning tips. What is under discussion is so-called "entry level" jobs, which require minimal skills and training. When you require that these level jobs pay with the expectation that the earner is self supporting, perhaps with a family, you eliminate the true bottom rung. Where is the space for the non-essential, unskilled laborer?
I don't know about that. Around here customers must be able to speak some Spanish.