Are illegal immigrants really taking American jobs

Under the hot Southern California sun immigrant workers are picking the foods consumed by millions of Americans and people around the world.

It's a back breaking job not everyone's fit to do.

Most of these immigrant workers arrived in the United States illegally, some as far as Central America.

And many are oblivious to the political firestorm centered around them.

"This is about lawful citizens versus illegal invaders," said conservative radio host Tony Katz. "If you want to build a 50 foot fence, I'm in favor of the 50 foot fence."

"There's 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, those can be American jobs, those could be taxpaying jobs," said Erik Spence, the founder of WeSupportArizona.com.

But some industries, especially California's agriculture businesses, don't want Americans working for them.

"Se solicitan trabajadores," which translates to workers needed; this Spanish language sign is purposely aimed at immigrant workers -- a foreign born workforce making sure these strawberries make it to your table.

There's no need for interviews or long applications.Undocumented immigrants simply show up at a field and they're hired.

Many people, including former US President George W. Bush, admit immigrant workers do the jobs Americans refuse to do.

At a farm in Oxnard, a city just north of Los Angeles, laborers aren't convinced the average American could step in their shoes -- not even for a day.

"It's too hard right now for a white person it's too hard," said Ricardo Romero.

"No e visto a ninguno aqui trabajando en el fil. (I haven't seen any Americans here, working in the field)," said Sergio Guerrero.

Sergio Guerrero came into this country illegally through the Southern California desert. He makes a $1.90 for every box of strawberries he fills.

And now in an effort to employ out-of-work Americans and obviously to prove a point, the United Farm Workers Union is inviting American citizens to take the jobs of these farm workers.

"I wouldn't be surprised if after a day or two, they may find themselves appreciating the people who are taking their jobs," said Roman Pinal, a United Farm Workers Organizer.

When asked whether or not they would take a farm working jobs, many at the unemployment office said no.

"No because I don't even do gardening at my own house," said Wendy Mendoza, an unemployed American.

"If I had a job that got me some exercise with no heavy lifting and would pay more than 11 dollars an hour I would take it, but I doubt it, it usually involves a lot of heavy lifting and doesn't pay much," said Lynn Boom.

"They're farmers and they're willing to pay slave labor of course they have an advantage," said Katz.

Katz is among the growing number of supporters for an immigration crackdown.

He thinks the threat to the US isn't just financial.

"This is about people coming over with diseases that we've already eradicated, bringing them back into the US," said Katz.

"America has paid a significant price because of illegal immigration," said Spence

Spence thinks Americans will take the job of a farm worker, because an American will do what it takes to feed their family.

However, according to the United Farm Workers, so far only three people have taken up their offer to take immigrant jobs.

Despite sharp opposition to the Arizona Immigration Law here in Los Angeles, activist Erik Spence hopes to buy a huge billboard ad right here in the heart of L.A. that says we support Arizona.

A huge sign that this tension is far from over.

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[fgarcia2130]

that bearded dude haha what an ignorant fuck

[AthenasConquest]

not only do they take your job they devalue the worth of your labor through dirt cheap labor wages. They have infested the trades like a swarm of locus

[TheSuperhospital]

What a lied asking rich people to do that work. I would do it check in and out anytime no taxes too. As republican said ban mininum wage prevent unskilled worker for getting jobs. As a college student i take anymoney that won't put me in jail. @debunker I'm asian, college educated asian make less than a white person but here we make more than at home. I'm sure if we have to compete for college degree jobs we get deported also haha. Just hire convict there problem solve damn liberals.

[debunker300]

@iamnuff1992 if the European "invaders" (LOL) "systematically oppressed every new minority to show up" then how do you explain the success of Asian immigrants to America? Asians are a non-white minority and as a group they face the same challenges faced by other minority groups - yet by and large, Asians tend to succeed, despite this horrific oppression you speak of. How is that possible?

[iamnuff1992]

define: "the american way" European invaders murdered the original inhabitants of a large continent, placed the few scattered survivors in concentration camps and then systematically oppressed every new minority to show up.

[debunker300]

@piratatrillo wait - you're telling me that before illegals started stealing good-paying construction jobs in America, those jobs were being worked by SLAVES? and for the record, I have no problem, NONE - paying more for a product from a business that employees LEGAL WORKERS. if you are an employer who can't do business without hiring illegals, you have NO right to be in business in the first place.

[piratatrillo]

@debunker300 you know who used to do these jobs before body!? SLAVES!!!! and do you know how much you would have to pay for your hamburger if those jobs were good paying jobs? may be all this situation is to complex for you to understand.

[debunker300]

She's asking the WRONG question....the question is "If illegals were deported and employers were forced to pay MARKET wages for labor in order to hire legal American workers, would you do it?" Of course Americans would work these jobs if the employers paid market wages. Who the hell do you think did these jobs before illegals began to cross the border in droves? Do you really think businesses are just going to up and quit because they can no longer pay low wages? It's absurd.

[calfan3]

i arrived to the usa in 1992 as a 6 year old. I graduated from HS not to long ago, and my fist job was in a maintenance crew at a race track. the crew was ALL LATINOS who were also illegals. My boss was an old white guy, but he was cool with us. I asked him why there was only latinos and he told me that the Owner of the race track said blacks and whites were lazy and slow, and would always complain (no water, when was break, too short of a lunch etc..) Im not saying this is true or not but hey..

[coochie2u]

@verbliner - AGAIN - I don't give a crap about "the browning of America", so please stop insinuating I am a racist. I will live and work with anybody who is treated just the same as me and not given unfair advantages or held less acountable than myself. These immigrants have a hiring advantage because they do not EVER have to pay their medical bills and don't cost an employer a dime to insure. I do. I AM held accountable for my medical bills. And illegals ARE taking desireable jobs!