...that always drives me nuts is the idea that undocumented immigrants take jobs that Americans "just won't do." Ruben Navarette, a nationally syndicated Hispanic columnist often featured in San Diego's daily paper, is one of those pundits who frequently uses this angle to defend the exploitation at the core of Bush's guest worker idea. Here's a note I recently wrote to Mr. Navarette on the issue, as well as his promptly emailed reply.
Mr. Navarette, a quick question for you about those jobs that Americans won't do at any wage: "?Como?"
You think Americans wouldn't pick strawberries if it paid $20 an hour? You think Americans wouldn't clean houses if it meant earning a comfortable wage and gaining health coverage? You think Americans wouldn't work in a slaughterhouse if the job offered the chance for advancement and a path to comfortable retirement?
Balderdash.
I'm reminded of the ridiculousness of your assertion every time I see the show "World's Most Dangerous Catch," which features boatloads of American fishermen who labor in extremely uncomfortable, extremely dangerous conditions. Why do they do it? As the fishermen tell it, there's one central reason: the pay is sufficiently lucrative to compensate for the blood, sweat, and tears demanded by the job.
The chief reason why Americans don't take jobs that often go to undocumented immigrants is that the employers in question don't have to compete to hire Americans. Instead, the employers take advantage of the desperation of non-citizens, who don't have the benefit of the social safety nets Americans enjoy.
By asserting that jobs taken by undocumented immigrants are jobs Americans won't do, you're insulting both undocumented immigrants (by implying they will do anything for a buck) and Americans (by implying they are lazy, conceited, or both). You're also helping perpetuate economic exploitation. Please, for the sake of a healthy discussion of how to make progress on this issue, spare us the establishment-serving rhetoric and start talking about reality.
Mr. Navarette's reply:
Thanks for the note. Glad the piece stirred you. Best, Ruben Naverette.
