Here and Now: Nervous Employers and Immigrants
Hundreds of Arizona employers are beginning to worry. They know they have people who might be illegal on their payroll and are scared that they could jeopardize their business. Others companies that rely on illegal immigrants wonder where they will find legal employees who will work for low wages in jobs that most Americans don't want. On the other hand, tens of thousands of illegal immigrants worry that they might lose their jobs once the new employer sanctions law takes effect. Many are asking the Mexican Consul about how the new law will affect them. Some are looking into moving to other states. The employer sanctions law is already having an impact three months before it goes into effect. What to you think about it? Your questions and comments are welcome below!
Posted by
patkinson at
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Comments (12)
These so called low wage jobs are only low because the wages have been kept low by a supply of illegal labor. As a capitalist country we should not be afraid to let the law of economics play out. If the illegal aliens return to their home country because they can not find work, then the law is a success. These so called great workers should return to their country and work to improve their own country.
This could be a great start to address the illegal immigration issue or it could well be a preposterous and careless action, by our Political representatives seeking a few votes, in a complex situation with unmeasured repercussions.
Most of us agree something needs to be done to stop illegal immigration, how that takes place and understanding the consequences of certain actions is what our political representative have failed to address in a clear message. We agree to do what is right for our country and our Citizens, I am not sure we have the facts that tells us Employer Sanctions are what is best, and I don’t see how they have clearly addressed or studied potential repercussions.
I don't think Employer Sanction plan will motivate illegal immigrants from leaving this country. I am afraid we are simply creating a new problem, pushing certain people to finding creative ways to find work. I am also afraid black markets will become more profitable, human trade will increase. Also, making it more difficult to find work will push some people to opt for more detrimental alternatives in order to feed their families and/or send money home. I’m afraid crime will rise.
How can we expect a well thought out plan if our political parties can’t agree on what to do, neither federal nor state governments, and we see local officials taking actions in their own little world feeding from the spotlight and words of encouragement from groups of people who believe this is the Wild-Wild-West.
The fact is the average Citizen is unable to make a fully education decision about what is the right thing to do, what action should be implemented. We are bombarded by unfounded facts and special interest groups. We hear illegal immigrants drain local resources, and we also hear that the unclaimed taxes, consumption and the value of lower cost services surpass economic overall benefits we all enjoy.
I encourage everyone to educate themselves and think about what we ask of our representatives. Do we want quick local “fixes” to a serious issue that could unfold in a negative chain of events or do we want our political representatives to invest on reliable resources, work together with other levels and branches of government and do what is right for US Citizens?
….. Ideally we can do it without ruining families, preventing the inception of a new breed of criminals, and/or maybe finding a way to enjoy what could actually be a benefit for this country (a stronger legal immigration system).
are employers expected to verify all employees currently on their payrolls or is this law only for new hires and not those currently employed? If this law is for new hires only, then what happens if you are checked - will they only check those hired since Jan 1 or will they be checking all employees on your payroll?
I have illegal immigrant (or the AZ. Republic would say "undocumented immigrant") burnout. It appears to me that the laws that we all just passed are working. The school tuition bill and the employers sanction bill.
So, why exactly are the Chamber of Commerces and local business groups (mainly developers and restauranters) against these?
The excuse of the verification system is just that, an excuse, can they really be honest and give us real reasons?
Recently I received a letter from the State explaining the new employer sanction law. From the letter...
1. "For a first violation of an employer knowingly hiring an unauthorized alien, the court shall order three years probation and may suspend all licenses held by the employer for a maximum of ten days...." where "knowingly" is bolded
2. "For a first violation of an employer intentionally hiring an unauthorized alien, the court shall order a mandatory five years probation and order the appropriate licensing agencies to suspend all licenses held by the employer for a minimum of ten days..." where "intentionally" is bolded.
My question is, what is the difference between "knowingly" and "intentionally" with respect to this law?
Supposing that the application of the new law results in turning away massive quantities of undocumented workers,
are any measures planned to deal with a large population without any means of subsistence.
How does the new law intend to deal with these people?
Are all these undocumented workers to be accompanied to the border or will there be guest worker status accorded to some?
Has a serious study of the economic impact of this law been considered and if so what sectors risk to be affected?
Can we turn to Mexico for answers to our problem? How does the Mexican government handle illegal immigrants from its southern border? Are they welcomed, catered to, ignored or turned back? Can we work with the Mexican government to make their own country a better place for their people to live?
What about the lifestyles of the Mexican immigrant, unkept neighborhoods, etc..
That also seems to be a problem for anti-immigrant attitudes.
I would like to know why these gentlemen act as if it is o.k. for people, from any country, to be here illegally.
I think it is best to hit the source of the problem by holding businesses responsible.
It is the greed of businesses in the US to keep wages low without paying for any negative outcomes (illegal inmates, funding for schools, hospital expenses etc).
Just like drugs, if the need is penalized and stop the problem should bring forward legal solutions.
How would the economy be affected? Higher restaurant prices? Higher hotel fees? Most item fall within luxury prices going up - except for food.
But how is it possible for lettuce to cost less if picked in the US VS 20 miles over the border where the wages are lower.?
THE REAL SOLUTION IS TO DOCUMENT THOSE WORKERS.
Regards,
Robert - Mesa
Lots of good questions, comments, and concerns. We appreciate you taking the time to participate!
Paul
I own a small woodworking buisness. My field is 10 to 1 illeagle vs. citizen. I REFUSE to hire an illeagle & fully believe in supporting my country & believe they should do the same - support THIER country & get out of mine. They complain about all the illeagle weapons going to thier country - we complain about all the illeagle people they send here....if they stayed there & kept the weapons they could form a civil war to fix thier other problems....just a thought 100,000 people in the streets of L.A. last yr protesting for rights...if they were armed & in thier own country...thats a sizable army.......
think on it,
Randy Mason
