But for illegals, how much more would employers have to pay to attract US. workers to do undesirable jobs?

Answer 1

Not much if any if we make changes to our welfare system. Right now a person on welfare doesn't have to work to keep the benefits, so if we made those on welfare required to work(those physically able of course), or they lose all benefits those jobs could be filled by those on welfare. This will decrease our tax burden from illegals, and from paying welfare. I know people will say, "you can't live on those wages". Well here is the thing, if you currently get say $400 a week in welfare benefits(arbitrary number) but make $250 doing this job an illegal was doing, you still get $150 in benefits to make up for it.

-Cost will be down, because we are not paying for illegals in schools, hospitals, our roads, and other infrastructure
-Cost will be down because we will be paying less for welfare, not only in the short term but the long term as these welfare recipeints are making money, and with work and motivation can gain skills to make more money by moving on to another job or moving up in their job
-We will bring more money into our economy since these workers are paying taxes

But the welfare system needs to be changed from one of handouts to one of helping hands.

Answer 2

This answer is very simple. All of those "undesirable" jobs were done by Americans years ago and they would continue to be done by Americans for whatever the wages worked out to be in the legitimate work force. Yes, Illegals do these jobs now for cheaper wages but they also do not pay income tax which makes a huge difference alone. The problem is that Americans want health insurance and 401 K programs and money put into their social security. Illegals do not want these things. They simply want to exploit the system without paying into any of the extras. This is the problem that is putting such a strain on our economic system.

Answer 3

Well, let's see. Meat packing jobs started at $18 per hour in the 1980's before illegal immigration blossomed, and pay about $8 now (after the raise following recent raids.) Prices and cost of living have gone up in that time, however....

How much SHOULD employers pay?

The amount they would pay without the illegals here. THEN if we need more people, we would let them in legally. Meanwhile the tax base would be more able to carry the now overused services we subsidize like education and health care.

Answer 4

Whatever the free market would demand. Illegal immigrants are artificially keeping wages low for legal American workers.

Answer 5

83% more than current wages for those positions.

(($11 / $6) - 1) * 100

Answer 6

I had a local farmer tell me he would have to pay $1.50 an hour more which he could afford to do.