The 2008 presidential race, which has been exciting to watch, has focused on many controversial issues. Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama highlight the importance of implementing a universal health care program in order to provide every citizen with the opportunity to receive affordable health care. John McCain has painted an image of himself as the foreign policy guru among the candidates. The surge in Iraq, which McCain helped develop, has been successful to this point. Though the troops might stay in the Middle East for a hundred years, at least something is starting to work in Iraq. And of course, the economy is a recurring issue in every debate.
Although universal health care, foreign policy and the economy are all important issues, one topic has been pushed to the wayside. The United States' immigration policy has been avoided at all costs with none of the candidates speaking clearly on the issue. The reality is that the economy, taxes and immigration reform are three interrelated issues that should be dealt with conjunctively. Ultimately, undocumented workers are a drain on the economy for multiple reasons.
Large agricultural business and construction companies continually exploit undocumented workers. Because these migrant workers are essentially forced to perform jobs at low wages due to a lack of viable employment options, the overall rate of pay in that field inevitably drops. On average, these undocumented workers, who are hired daily, work long, hard days performing jobs many would considered undesirable. Companies are able to exploit these migrant workers not only in terms of wages, but also human rights. This form of employment is arguably a form of slavery.
Not only are these workers being exploited, but they are cheating legitimate United States citizens. Undocumented workers, who normally are paid in cash, do not pay federal or state taxes. The money these migrant workers earn is, therefore, not being represented in the social welfare system that provides for many vital services for American families. In all reality, the government should properly document these workers and begin collecting taxes. Additionally, even if the undocumented worker is living permanently in the United States, money is sent to the native country in a form remittance.
According the New York Times, "The money sent home by Mexicans working abroad - known as remittances - is the country's second-greatest source of foreign income, after oil exports." In 2007, $23.9 billion was sent back to Mexico alone, not including Latin American countries. The money leaving the United States is invariably contributing to the overall decline of the dollar.
Currently, the American dollar is at its lowest value since 1967. President Bush last week acknowledged that the economy is slowing down, but not heading toward a recession. However, though there is some disagreement between financial analysts, effects of a recession seem likely in 2008. Although Congress passed an economic stimulus package more than two weeks ago, it would only Band-Aid the problem.
Immigrants deserve the right to easily, and legally, enter the country and earn fair wages by working within the system. The next president must restructure its immigration policy so that it does not cheat either the migrant worker or the current United States citizen.
Write to Travis at tjoneill@bsu.edu
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