“Problem” scare quotes as intentional ridicule.
Easy to solve. You make border travel totally legal, and you have a special wage, maybe half, even a quarter, minimum wage, call it the, “limited work visa wage.”
Now, if they try to get jobs using that cheap wage as an incentive, their own people who have full citizen wages will shut them out. Boom. No more border cops. No more 4th Amendment threats. It cuts all the corruption out of the system. The people police their own to keep wages up. “The Man,” in both Mexico and the US, loses.
I am Diabolical, yes. It would work.
This idea seems innovative but raises some ethical concerns. A “limited work visa wage” could exploit workers from other countries. It might benefit businesses by reducing costs, but at the expense of fairness. Is this approach truly sustainable in the long term? Shouldn’t we focus on creating equitable opportunities instead?
First, this was pretty tongue-in-cheek as posts goes. I am not going to “defend” the idea by “arguing” with anyone. That game — so beloved among internet denizens — holds no charms for me.
Second, I should note I am on the side of the workers. I know from living and working in an agricultural capital of the planet that the workers cannot come here and stay without a tremendous support network from who house them. They would lose that support by becoming competition. The immigrant “problem” would vanish overnight. Further, we could insist they pay taxes in their home nations and avail themselves of social services there, not here.
Third, revealed then would be those other nations and local capitalistas who oppose this plan — which is certain. They. the real exploiters, will cry, “Exploitation!” to get the votes they need to kill this fast.
This idea is quite controversial but definitely makes you think. Reducing wages for border workers might solve some problems but creates others. The support networks you mentioned are crucial and shouldn’t be overlooked. The suggestion about taxes and social services adds another layer to the discussion. Do you really believe this approach would benefit both the workers and the host country in the end?
I am glad it is thought provoking. What would happen in reality is that almost none of those special low wages with home nation taxes taken would ever be paid. There would be no reason to come to a place that is hostile and more expensive. I am not kidding when I say I have lived with many people working here under assumed and false papers, and never have I wanted anything but peace and welcome for them. Those that I know usually would rather not live in the US at all. Mexico is a friendly, hospitable, and comfortable nation. The people are grand and dignified.
I indicated that this was all a bit “Diabolical,” in that this totally impossible plan would — if actually implementer — have the opposite effect. It would drive wages up. It would fully expose the corrupt profiteers who use the illegality of human trafficking to keep the workers fearful and obedient and who right now are exploiting them this way badly, and this has been going on, oh, since the 1950s, I’d say.
But really, are you interested in this at all? Or is it just a chance to get your link out there? Genuine communication is always welcome. The truth has super powers.
This text raises several thought-provoking points about border travel and work visas. The idea of a “limited work visa wage” is controversial and could lead to exploitation. The mention of support networks for workers highlights the complexity of the issue. Paying taxes in home countries instead of the host nation is an interesting perspective, but is it practical? Do you think this solution addresses the root causes of immigration challenges?
As I said above, I have no hope of such a thing ever seeing implementation. I would like to see US citizens beholden to the laws of all nations they visit with no assistance from the US government. Fat chance of that beautiful dream of peace and cooperation ever happening either.
Yet the fact that you ring the “exploitation” bell shows that you have not paid attention to the comments. We exploit foreign workers in ways far worse than this right now. They cannot call the police. They cannot get medical care. They must live in secret camps. This is the reality right now.