1 solution to 1 aspect of illegal immigration

[FreakinDJ]

They used to use 90 day and 180 day agricultural permits here in America. Contractors would provide a set number of workers to the farmers for field work. In fact I know a gentleman who used to contract with just such a service.

This has been completely over looked and disbanded because the contractor pays serious penalties to INS for each worker that fails to return to the country of origin.

I blame 2 presidents for the failures of these programs. 1 the president of Mexico for encouraging illegal immigration to America which led to wide spread abuses of these programs.

I also blame GMA (President Gloria Arroyo) for not hopping on this issue and putting together a government sponsored program to allow Philippine contractors to provide Philippine workers. The Philippines has a history of providing agricultural workers to the United States. Applicants would be screened for criminal back ground checks, and health checks. Government penalties could discourage abusing the program and using it to illegally circumvent legal immigration.

The answer is simple, they get minimum wage plus room and board, plus a small portion of their earnings for wealth and welfare, payable to them directly each week. The remainder (not subject to normal taxation) would be automatically deposited to their Philippine bank accounts and made available when they fulfilled their obligation to return to the Philippines.

I can’t think of a lot unskilled labors in the Philippines that would not jump at the chance to work here in the USA and end up with a lump sum payment of several $1000. It would be like a whole years pay in 90 days.

[pagam]

1. Immigration

it still will not stop people from crossing the border illegaly. Also, what is to prevent the filipinos from staying in the US when their work permit expires? It seems to me that the laws preventing business from hiring undocumented workers needs to be enforced. I know it won't happen! ! !

[FreakinDJ]

2. Government penalties imposed on the bank deposits

Philippine Government penalties imposed on the bank deposits.

In fact I can think of dozens of other countries that if a State sponsored programs were made available the peoples of those countries would seriously benefit from just such a program.

You want to help end world hunger and provide equal opportunities.

Oh by the way did you read the threads here at DU where Philippine labors are rioting in Dubai because construction wages are only $123.00 per month

Asian Construction Workers Riot in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - About 2,500 foreign construction workers rioted over wages and working conditions at a building site in Dubai, smashing equipment and vehicles in the second violent protest by construction workers in a month in the fast-growing city.

Witnesses said workers employed by Al-Ahmadiah Contracting company demonstrated for more than four hours Wednesday at the Dubai Marina, clashing with riot police and smashing vehicles and machinery at the waterfront site, which includes residential towers, outdoor cafes and a marina.

"We get 450 dirhams ($123) a month," one worker said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he feared retribution. "It's not enough. We can't save any money."

Brig. Gen. Mohammed al-Mansouri of Dubai Police said three workers were arrested.

Last month, workers rioted at the site of a building intended to be the world's tallest skyscraper, smashing cars and offices and causing an estimated $1 million in damages. After the protest, the United Arab Emirates government said it would pass a law to give laborers the right to form trade unions and bargain collectively.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060427/ap_on_re_mi_ea/emirates_workers_protest

[pagam]

3. If it makes sense

than the US government won't do it. Thanks for the article.

[FreakinDJ]

4. industries that contribute to the Republican Re-election machine

Only because industries that contribute to the Republican Re-election machine would not favor it.

Democrats need to take the lead in providing REAL solutions to the problem. Not just wedge issues designed to re-elect Republican incumbents.

[pagam]

7. democrats

also benefit from these business. I agree that the dems have an opportunity to take a ledership role, however, the coporate run media will not allow it. Unless we take back the W.H., the democrats do not have the bully pulpit to inform the people why we need real solutions to the problem of illegal immigration.

[Little Star]

5. Laws preventing business from hiring undocumented workers

need to be enforced! You are correct! These are the law of this nation and what gives employers the right to break the law? Our representation in this country are pro-enforcing only the laws that they cherry pick. This whole mess is bad for the people being used for slave workers and it is also bad for the rest of us.

Another thing that drives me batty is to hear anyone say "jobs Americans won't do". How g-damn insulting! Americans have and will do any job that has a living wage and benefits!

[FreakinDJ]

6. Its True - thanks for saying that

But DEMs need to take the lead in REAL solutions.

Feinstein, Boxer, and Pelosi have a huge Filipino constituency. I can’t see where they could not benefit from putting this together with the Philippine government. Currently the Philippine government has been shipping off workers for much lower paying jobs around the world. Some of which are to brothels in other Asian countries

[pagam]

8. Why not

impose the laws that prevent business from hiring illegals? Pay US citizens a living wage and strengthen the middle class.

[FreakinDJ]

9. Of course, but also realize we do need some workers

Much of this illegal immigration has resulted on the abuses of the agricultural worker programs. Republican leaders (John McCain) readily cite we need workers who will work the fields.

Take that away from them. Introduce a workable program such as this that basically has no down side.

This is only 1 solution to 1 aspect of a very large problem

[Little Star]

10. K&R