Anyways, generally speaking it's easier to manage a program than it is to manage a vast illegal population. But there is definitely some downward wage pressure. The hope would be, at least in construction, that new jobs are created as a result of the increase in infrastructure. That's not particularly true for landscaping. On the other hand, some landscaping jobs would probably go away. Demand is elastic to a degree, if you aren't a golf course or something.
The other element to this is the possibility of aid to Mexico. I think it is safe to say that the fairly moribund Mexican economy is a key driver here. Illegal immigration wouldn't magically disappear if there were more Mexican jobs, but it would probably make a big difference.
I do tend to believe a wall would actually work. Israel's had dramatic success after all, and I tend to think that migrants, while hard-core, are a bit less determined than suicide bombers. However, image aside, it would be really effing expensive.
We aren't that great at doing development aid, but it could probably be cheaper than building a wall across the southern border.
Re: No Amnesty
Anyways, generally speaking it's easier to manage a program than it is to manage a vast illegal population. But there is definitely some downward wage pressure. The hope would be, at least in construction, that new jobs are created as a result of the increase in infrastructure. That's not particularly true for landscaping. On the other hand, some landscaping jobs would probably go away. Demand is elastic to a degree, if you aren't a golf course or something.
The other element to this is the possibility of aid to Mexico. I think it is safe to say that the fairly moribund Mexican economy is a key driver here. Illegal immigration wouldn't magically disappear if there were more Mexican jobs, but it would probably make a big difference.
I do tend to believe a wall would actually work. Israel's had dramatic success after all, and I tend to think that migrants, while hard-core, are a bit less determined than suicide bombers. However, image aside, it would be really effing expensive.
We aren't that great at doing development aid, but it could probably be cheaper than building a wall across the southern border.