[JoeSchem]

I propose a new temporary worker program that will match willing foreign workers with willing American employers, when no Americans can be found to fill the jobs.

Right now, no Americans can be found to fill the jobs because the jobs are offered under the table, with no taxes or benefits paid, which is why illegals can take home $10 an hour and still be hired over Americans taking home $7 or less per hour. And there are Americans who would be willing to work for even less, but here in Washington State, thanks to a minimum wage of $7/hr that applies only to American citizens, they have to become destitute rather than find employment.

You think millions of illegals are going to flock to be legalized, and thereby be subjected to the same taxes as the rest of us -- and thereby become as unemployable as the rest of us? No, I can assure you the only ones who'll sign up for this program are the ones planning to go back to Mexico soon and now we'll give them full Social Security benefits as they head out the door! The utter cluelessness of this proposal reflects George W. Bush's lack of contact with the real world of working people.

By saying, "There are some jobs that Americans will not do," he is directly insulting the work ethic of millions of hard-working American citizens. Quite an arrogance for someone who has never held a real job -- unless you count shaking hands of potential investors for a group of business partners at a time when your father just happens to be President of the United States.

[McGavin999]

McCain explained that part of the program on the radio last night. You must advertise the job (in the paper or internet) and if ANY American applies you can not give the job to a guest worker.

[alnick]

By saying, "There are some jobs that Americans will not do," he is directly insulting the work ethic of millions of hard-working American citizens.

Well, wait a minute. You've posted what purports to be a direct quote from the speech on a thread which starts with a transcript of that speech, and your quote appears nowhere in that speech. I did a search on your quoted words, and the first hit I got was your post.

[tommix2]

Right now, no Americans can be found to fill the jobs because the jobs are offered under the table, with no taxes or benefits paid, which is why illegals can take home $10 an hour and still be hired over Americans taking home $7 Good point! Good thinking. I was hoping that someone would see this. In a free market, wages are determined by supply and demand. If an employer knows that he can get workers from abroad for say, $6.00/hr, he then advertises for workers at $6.00/hr. No US citizens apply. Then the employer says "See, American citizens can not be found to do this work; I am entitled to employ guest workers. The wage level will be the wage that guest workers are willing to take.