From the left... the issue is:
1) Temporary work visas basically create an underclass to be exploited who have few if any workers rights. I thought we abolished slavery in 1865.
2) A part of capitalism is the right to sell your labor for a higher price. Its not true Americans are "unwilling" to do these jobs- they are unwilling at the prices employers would like to pay-- this will continue a downward cycle of wages and does no favors to organized labor.
3) Amnesty is fine, but the moral issue is: why are we making people die in the desert and in the backs of trucks? Shit or get off the pot- either open the border and stop the b.s. or close it and make it clear.
4) Where are the provisions to prosecute employers who knowingly and continually employ illegal workers. They better be targeting people once these new visas are available.
Particularly on the employment aspect. If people need to be employed continuously, or nearly continuously, to keep their visas, then it gives their employers the ability to control them completely.
That's horrible, and we shouldn't stand for it.
We shouldn't approve an immigration or guest worker bill unless it gives room for immigrants/guest workers to be unemployed for, say, up to four months of every year. That would give the immigrant at least some opportunity to say, "if you fire me, I'll just get another job," and have a good chance of doing so before the cops come knocking at their door.
And a $5,000.00 fine? Is that a joke? Even if not enforced, it is a ridiculous proposition to fine the poorest of the poor for being poor.
