No, we don’t need illegal immigrants to do jobs Americans ‘won’t’

Illegal immigration has been a hot topic in America for decades, with the notion that we need an underclass to perform the jobs that citizens don’t want to do. This idea of an American caste system, with illegal immigrants relegated to the least desirable tasks, has been perpetuated as necessary for the prosperity of the nation. However, this narrative has given rise to what I call “The Great Illegal-Immigrant Lie.”

Recent events have highlighted the dangers of allowing illegal immigrants to work in critical roles, such as commercial trucking. Harjinder Singh, an undocumented immigrant, caused a fatal crash on the Florida Turnpike, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Singh’s inability to pass English and road-sign tests raises questions about his eligibility to hold a commercial driving license.

Commercial trucking is a quintessential American blue-collar job that provides economic opportunities for many. Despite the availability of American citizens willing to work in this profession, up to one-third of total immigrants in the US workforce are undocumented. This includes an estimated 275,000 truck drivers, highlighting the prevalence of illegal immigrants in critical roles.

The issue of illegal immigration goes beyond individual states like California, which facilitated Singh’s licensing despite his immigration status. Culturally, we have allowed certain jobs to be deemed undesirable by Americans, opening the door for businesses to exploit a cheaper workforce. This has led to a situation where illegal immigrants are taking on highly visible roles that were traditionally reserved for American workers.

The consequences of the Great Illegal-Immigrant Lie are far-reaching, as seen in incidents like TC BioPharm CEO Bryan Kobel’s assault by an illegal immigrant Uber driver. Despite Uber’s disapproval of violence, the company has not condemned the use of an illegal workforce, with 56% of its drivers nationwide being immigrants of all statuses.

The systematic catering to illegal immigrant workers in industries like trucking and warehousing is evident in states like New Jersey, where job opportunities are predominantly offered in Hispanic neighborhoods. The belief that illegal immigrants are more resilient to handle challenging work echoes the rationale used to justify slavery in America, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and undercutting of the workforce.

Ultimately, the Great Illegal-Immigrant Lie was a tactic to save money on labor costs by hiring individuals willing to work for less. This economic caste system has led to the displacement of American workers in both blue-collar and potentially white-collar roles. It is crucial to address the root causes of illegal immigration and prioritize the economic well-being of American citizens.

Adam B. Coleman, author of “The Children We Left Behind” and founder of Wrong Speak Publishing, emphasizes the need to challenge the narrative of the Great Illegal-Immigrant Lie and protect the interests of American workers.