How do you think that an American Temporary Worker Program may operate?

Question

What would the results be? Will they be comparable to the experience of other countrys and to America's own past experience?

Could it actually work?

Answer 1

Step 1: I would first focus in the American companies that need the external supply. In this way, I would narrow down the characteristics and the situations in which a company should hire a foreign worker. Hence, I would have a controlled list of firms that I know should be hiring American residents and non-American residents.

I would make sure they would be offering the legal minimum wages plus the regular benefits. In this case, Americans would be equally motivated to acquire a job as any other foreigner.

Step 2: I would have all this firms report current illegal workers so they could affiliate into this program. I would provide them an ID card very similar to the current American visa. In this case, when they would cross the border, the migration officer can read its details and quickly identify to which city and firm he will be heading, and for how long.

Step 3: New foreigners willing to work in the USA would have to report to this agency and had him evaluated (just like with the regular American visa and other permits). These agencies would be strategically located in key cities in Mexico.

Key results would be:
1. Current illegal industry of human 'trafficking' between Mexico and USA would diminish greatly.
2. Companies that normally abuse of illegal workers would be exposed.
3. Tax collection would increase because of all the money collected from the processing of permits and from the new taxes from these new workers.

I would devote certain % of the money collected to improve the living conditions of the poor towns where most immigrants come from, in this way rather than promoting more people abandoning their family, the money would be used to promote the families to stay in town.

Compared to other markets, like the EU, these workers would still be exposed to racism and discrimination because officially they would have something that describes them as almost rightful or previously unlawful. Because of the American xenophobia, the program would be highly expensive to keep running, so compared to other the EU it would be very costly specially because in the EU they have free mobility without the need of controlling workers mobility through the borders.

It would work in a 70%, but a remaining 30% would still be hanging as illegal for different circumstances. Very likely some people will point out the remaining 30% to make clear that the whole program was a big mistake since the very beginning. Nevertheless, millions of families in both sides of the border will get benefits from this and be happy about it.

Answer 2

This program existed once back in the 70's and it failed. All workers lost money on both sides of the border. It is quiet since it is still pending litigation.
As for ID's, a window opened & people shut it. The Insurance Ind saw it and tried to encourage legislation. We all know you can't use your DL for other than driving & ID purposes. think about this one for a minute.... Insurance and stop loss= $$$

Answer 3

well .I think if we impose a kind of bond I don't know like $2000.00 refundable at the end of their contract , or holding their paycheck till the end of the contract , so we can be confident the workers will return to the country of origin . and ID everyone so we will know who they are and where they are .

Answer 4

I think it is better than nothing. I also think that I would like to know who is in the country- and, providing them with ID could be a beneficial thing to all of us. Also, if they are accepted here, will their desire to assimilate be more? They would no longer have to stay in their familiar communities, because they wouldn't have to fear being deported if they were to venture into society.