Proposed guest worker program with Mexico.

[Cleita]

You know it's going to happen so we need to make sure when it happens that everyone gets a fair shake. This means when George Bush and Vicente Fox hammer out a document or treaty if you wish it that has these caveats. Mexico must adopt our labor laws first, that means the same minimum wage we pay in dollars, worker's comp, OSHA laws and Social Security and Medicaid and that labor unions be permitted in Mexico as they are here under the same laws.

This means there is an level playing field on both sides of the border. Now the borders should be opened and Mexicans and Americans can flow back and forth working in either country as they choose providing neither have criminal records. Each country has to deal with their own felons. The farm workers who are migratory will probably flow between both countries where they are needed.

I'm sure most Mexicans will probably stay in Mexico if they can earn the same amount of money as here. It will be our loss as they are very reliable and hard working. This is rough of course. Any more ideas to make this workable?

[pat_k]

1. Enacting and Enforcing Laws that Reflect Our Values

http://january6th.org/borders.html

[Cleita]

4. That's pretty well thought out and reasonable.

A lot of the problem is in Mexico though and we have to push their government to do the right thing by their people too.

[pat_k]

5. Certainly, but until we enforce our own values within our borders. . .

. . .we lack the moral authority to effect change for the better elsewhere.

It's akin to "Impeachment first" principle. Until we restore legitimate government, we can't move forward on anything. (Impeachment First: Our House is Burning. Stop Remodeling and Put Out the Fire!).

As they say, one step at a time.

[bullimiami]

2. and everyone here and in mx has to abide by the minimum wage laws.

illegals arent here working for the same wages and benefits that legal workers could be had for. dont be silly.

they are getting screwed and the employers are cashing in on it. they are getting paid under the table, no benefits or taxes being paid on them, working for less than minimum or long hours for fixed wages or doing piecework that pays less than minimum.
the illegal employers are rarely punished or even pursued.

[Lib Grrrrl]

3. Exactly!

We need to SHUT DOWN the businesses that are engaging in these practices, and we need to IMPRISON the employers who engage in these dispicable acts.

We need to crack down on the businesses that exploit the illegals' illegal status.