Undocumented Workers
Re “The Gaping Loophole in the Middle of INS Law Enforcement,” Opinion, Oct. 19: Never before have I seen such pointless criticism. Michael Huspek critiques the INS for not penalizing U.S. employers who employ undocumented immigrants. He lists as evidence that 40% of California agricultural workers are undocumented yet go unnoticed by the INS inspections.
Let me add that well over 40% of the blue-collar California hotel and restaurant workers are also undocumented. The INS and every other agency know this but do not penalize employers because these immigrants are necessary to the California economy. If these undocu- mented workers were laid off, who would fulfill the 40% gaping hole in these commercial industries? Certainly not the 6.7% unemployed in California.
If the INS enforced its undocumented immigrant policies many California industries would run into the ground. Undocumented immigrants fill positions no one else will. The laws serve as a future safeguard should legal employees become available to fill these now unwanted positions.
ATA RABIEE
Irvine
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