Next time someone is going on and on about those jobs that are being filled by illegals at the cost of Americans just ask them if they know someone who is ready and willing to go to work for $10 an hour, with few if any benefits. I have been doing this for the last few months and have yet to find someone who says they know someone in their personal acquaintance who is out of work and will take a job at McDonalds or WalMart or Burger King, etc. And they won't go to work for the phone company doing the manual labor of laying cable, or a lawn service mowing and raking and picking up the trash.
I don't know the answer, but I do know there are lots of jobs that Americans simply won't take, even if they are unemployed.
I've seriously considered taking some of these low-paying jobs, but any income would be taxed at an effective 40+% rate since my wife already works. Any income I earn would be subject to both payroll taxes and income taxes at the marginal rate. I just can't justify driving into town to make effectively $4.50/hour. One hour of work would be devoted simply to paying for fuel.
Now some may say that by restricting immigration these wages would rise, making the jobs more attractive. But would consumers absorb the price increases? If not, then the jobs would simply disappear and filled by no one.
I’m underemployed. I won’t take $10 an hour because when you add up transportation, child care, me getting taxed at my husband’s marginal rate, it isn’t worth it.
If my husband lost his job, or if $10 an hour would get me a toehold in my profession, I’d take it in a heartbeat.
I live in a well-to-do area - I know plenty of teenagers working here - grounds keeping, movie theatres, supermarket, waiting tables at assisted living.
Especially if they are white.