What are the underlying pressures and policy decisions that have created a huge market for undocumented work?

Answer 1

People, particularly in the U.S., want everything they purchase to be inexpensive, but then want to be paid at a very high wage rate.

Undocumented aliens are willing to take low-wage jobs, particularly in construction or other manual labor, and don't have much political or legal clout to demand that they be paid more.

I blame trade unionism: union leaders only recently begun to wake up and realize, with increased globalization, it is impossible to demand for workers the sort of salary and benefits that could be obtained 40 years ago.

It is perhaps unfortunate that people can't work for a "good" living any more, but that's economics for you - if other people can make a good faster or cheaper or both, then it's time to figure out something different to make.

Answer 2

Mainly, fraud and corruption, plus there's a huge pro-hispanic lobby that's been trying to sing the praises of an illegal workforce, and they've been using rights groups right here in america to mor or less sponsor people into the United States, albeit illegally, but that's what they've been up to. The sooner we get our border fence built, the sooner there can be employer compliance crackdowns, and counter-suits to pull the rug out from under of the pro-illegal advocates for good. Enforcement first, then compliance, THEN after all that's done, like in 3 years or so, then we start talking about work permits and green cards and stuff. But, not beforehand. This stuff's gone out of control for so long it's going to probably take 3 years to clean it up, which will be a prime opportunity for people to decide which side of the law they want to live on, etc. When it starts getting systemic, it's time for the voters to act as a body to counter it. Given the levels of corruption we've seen in Congress so far, it's going to be a 'long hard slog' to get Washington back on the straight n narrow, and Mexico's going to have to sit down and do some hard thinking about their future, also. If they finally realize that yes, we can close the border, and no, they can't sue their way past it,
they'll start rethinking this whole strategy thing they had in mind...
Mexico has no good excuse for not being prosperous, other than corruption and its' own failed leadership. Since leadership ultimately stems from the People, it's the people themselves that have to correct it. Mexico could manage its' finances, clean up its' government, its' police force, feed and employ all its' people, but it won't so long as the way to the United States seems open, and unfettered.

I say 'build the fence today', and start spending money on lawyers instead of welfare checks...

Answer 3

There are many things that cause this problem worldwide. Mostly its the bottom line. Disguised as a share holder protection, the almighty dollar and greater profits are what drives economies to hire migrant workers at substandard wages. Much of this can also be attributed to trade unions. They have made it increasingly impossible to make a profit due to ridiculous demands for pay well above the skill level, health benefits that most could only dream of getting and retirement packages that can bankrupt most companies, and protection for workers who feel their seniority gives them the right to a paycheck without performance. Add to this the politicians who want to keep contacts with foreign lands on their side and in their pockets (or more like our pockets) and a very imbalanced trade agrrement that allows for cheaper imports to push all the above. Americans in general want it all and don't want to pay what it cost to produce, so they tolerate the low skilled, low paid workers and substandard products in order to be one of the haves riding the backs of the have nots.

Answer 4

This is truly and interesting and rather voluminous question. I’ll try being brief, and going straight to the point. As the national economy grows, and unemployment reduces, the wages and the costs of life increase. To support the particular way of lifestyle, residents try to seek employment that can facilitate their needs and wants. This means that particular types of jobs will not be filled by domestic labor since the wages associated with these jobs cannot support this lifestyle. This opens the door to those individuals, often illegal immigrants, to fill in the existing labor gap.

Answer 5

1. Corruption inside the Mexican government
2. An insurmountable gap between rich and poor Mexicans with virtually no middle class.
3. A complacent Mexican government that would rather export poverty to the U.S. in return for billions in remittances rather than invest in new business models and public works projects.
4. Nationwide apathy in Mexico.

Answer 6

Can you ask? Greedy corporations who have our adminisration dangling like scalps on their belts ... more profit for them ... goods and services are not being sold at reduced price because the illegal workers get paid a pittance, so ask yourselves where the extra profit goes ...

Answer 7

Doesn't matter. Anyone here illegally is breaking the law. As such that makes them a criminal and a threat to national security. THE LAW IS THE LAW. ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL. WHAT PART OF THAT DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND? AND STICKING UP FOR THE LAW AND OUR RIGHTS DOES NOT MAKE ONE A RACIST

Proud member of the Minutemen!

ARTHUR HAGLUND for President
( http://answers.yahoo.com/questio... )

DEPORT ILLEGAL ALIENS!

ENGLISH ONLY IN AMERICA!

Answer 8

Greed and selfishness-created the problems

Answer 9

greedy companies.......and political payoffs..or donations as they like to call them...