These are time sensitive. You do not receive credit if you write them after the deadline each week.
First, there's a blog entry (about 250 words) which will have you respond to a hopefully thought-provoking question. Each week, you must do the blog entry with enough time left in the week to be able to enter into dialogue online with your classmates. Write, reply, write more, reply more, and then write and reply more.
Second, there's a reading. There’s no blog entry associated with this. Just read.
Third, there's a written response to the reading. Your reading and writing on the blog must be completed by the SATURDAY (by midnight) of the week in which the reading falls. This entry should be a long paragraph. YOU DO NOT NEED TO RESPOND TO OTHER STUDENTS' PART THREE EACH WEEK.'
Sunday, October 11, 2015
WEEK FIVE WRITING ABOUT WHAT YOU READ
Do you see a relationship between minimum wage and immigration?
I think that there is definitely a relationship between minimum wage and immigration. Looking at the statistics in the United States, the federal minimum wage currently is $7.25 an hour. As of July 1, 2014, the minimum wage for California is $9.00. California has more immigrants than any other state. Our state is home to more than 10 million immigrants. With such a huge population, it is no wonder why citizens would want an increase in minimum wage. The sad truth though is that immigrants earn less than U.S.-born residents. Immigrants, it can be argued, work longer and harder than their U.S.-born counterparts. I think, regardless of whether they work longer or harder, they should receive equal pay across the board. The argument that California’s minimum wage needs to be increased to $15 is not a factor in my statement. Citizens of California should receive pay that is equal to the work that they do. A major issue that U.S.-born citizens might blame to immigrants is that they take jobs away from them, “U.S. citizens.” Again, there is that relationship factor that people argue based on this distinction of minimum wage and its impact on U.S. born citizens and immigrants. The term, to some people, can also associate with negativity. In general, I think that it will be interesting to see how legislation changes to accommodate the different perspectives of people living in the United States. In the future, the population dynamic will clearly show major interests in immigration. Younger generations that have a direct impact because of their parents, or grandparents, will change the job environment and maybe even try to improve legislation so that factors that got in the way when they were younger won’t hinder their children or grandchildren.
The relationships between minimum wage and immigration have nothing to do with each other. Minimum wage is about starting to earn the minimum wage at a job that does not need a higher education. Based on my experiences and being a citizen of this country, I have worked for major corporations that pay the minimum wage because of the job description, not because of my education or immigration status. The research and the data collected by various specialists do not clearly show if immigrants affect the economy. The research or analyses collected by the specialists were obtained from small samples, and it does not represent the United States. Furthermore, immigration increases the demand for goods from America. Immigrants contribute to the economy of the U.S by creating new businesses, working as laborers, field workers, and purchasing American products. The low-paying jobs have been this way for many years, with or without the increase of immigrants arriving at the U.S. Citizens neglect the hard and difficult jobs, because of the low paying salaries. In order to have a good lifestyle, citizens know that they can have better jobs where they can work less and earn a decent wage, without having to work in jobs that need difficult tasks and that are physically demanding. The circumstance of each immigrant is different, and therefore immigrants take on the jobs that citizens reject. Citizens use the services that the government provides, such as welfare and other government aids, because they do not work hard enough to get a good education, and neglect to search for decent jobs that will economically support them. Therefore, the economy and immigration have nothing to do with the inequalities of wages.
After reading a few articles, I see a few connections, but I don’t really see a strong relationship between minimum wage and immigration. Minimum wage is giving to positions based on the job description itself and not immigration status. Even education isn’t always a factor when comes down to wage size. Most studies show the impact immigrants have on the economy in certain areas, or in small samples, which does not represent the United States as a whole. If anything, the economy should be blossoming because the need for goods should increase with the increased population. Immigrants actually contribute more than we think to the nation. They provide us with a workforce that is willing to do the jobs that most citizens reject. These difficult, low-paying jobs have been like this for years and it’s thanks to immigrants seeking work that these jobs are actually getting done. The majority of citizens want a lifestyle where they work less and earn more, so the immigrants are not “stealing” these jobs from anybody as the media makes it seem. These people are willing to do the hard work required by these demanding jobs even if they earn less than the minimum wage, so who are we to take that away from them? For these reasons I believe immigration and the economy have little to no relation to the inequality of wages and their constant adjustment.
Minimum wage and immigration is an interesting topic to think about. However, I do not think the answer is something so simple that one a few articles or debates can solve. The problem, I believe, is not for people and companies that are willing to follow the law and pay employees the state set wage. The problem is that many companies see illegal immigrants as a pool of workers who are willing to do just about any job for very little money. An example of this is seen in the book "The Tortilla Curtain," the girl was excited about the idea of earning $25 for an entire day of hard labor. As much as society tries to get angry that these people are "taking the jobs," in reality, these jobs have nothing to do with minimum wage. The employers may have hired American citizens if this population of immigrants was not available, but another equally likely options is that their company would fail because they are unable to pay their employees more. This is sad and is not fair to the immigrants who are willing to work hard, but I do not believe that there is necessarily a connection between immigrants and minimum wage because immigrants seldom make the state set minimum wage any way.
I do not see a relationship between immigration and minimum wage. I can see how many people and researchers could think that these two topics relate to one another as there are a few connections. The reading for this week went in to some detail regarding George Borja's study findings. He believes that immigration and minimum wage do have a relationship and that education comes into play as well. What I took from his findings was that most immigrants coming from Cuba drop out of school. George Borja thinks that this group will end up in low wage and a low skill job due to their lack of education. I highly disagree with that opinion as I have seen people who are born in this country with degrees who are unemployed or working a part time, minimum wage job. I also know people who are born here, drop out of school and make more money than some people who have higher education. George Borja's study was regarding immigrants and I also know people who are immigrants in this country who have good paying jobs and are making a good living for themselves. I think even if immigration wasn't an issue there would still be minimum wage issues in our country. The amount paid per position is set by the company which takes into consideration the responsibilities and duties that come with that position. Immigration does not determine nor affect what an employer chooses to pay their employee.
The standard minimum wage in America is, according to a report by the National Conference of State Legislature, July 1st, 2015 - the federal minimum wage at 7 dollars and 25 cents per hour (7.25). That being said, many states have higher, or substantially higher minimum wage in their state or region. But, what if you were in a state that the federal minimum was law? That equates to $232 dollars per week, and $928 per month. Now, if you are living at home or sharing rent in an apartment, this maybe suitable…Or is it?
At the age of eighteen, still in high school, I was required to pay rent in the amount of $181.00 per month. Needless to say, and in time, I left home. If I was going to pay rent, then I will have a say on my life and what it means. Now, I know this is 180 degrees from many cultures, such as my wife’s, close friends, and others.
Wouldn’t you say it’s especially difficult if you are a single parent; or married and a spouse/partner off work? Could you imagine when an $825 rent comes due and you can’t make it because what they took out in taxes, unemployment insurance, Medicare, and other required deductions. My rent is $825.00, and I have a phone, and internet, and groceries to buy, and a car to afford, and car insurance to be legal, and no health insurance… isn’t covered, so that’s another expense I would have to pay for.
Imagine if I made 7.25 an hour, as a single person, and wanted to start my life. What hardships would one encounter if they had the same expenses as I do? Could be devastating? Or is that the reality check we need, that life SHOULD be simpler?
Like “immigration jobs”, the offers are usually non-negotiable.
What if the family is large? What if you live as Candido once did, in an apartment with many others? You thought waiting in line for a bathroom at the movies was an inconvenience? Ha Ha! Well, just wait! Now, could you imagine Candido not having a place like that. Yep, that's why they are in the canyon camping. One small family couldn't make it on an immigrants salary. If so, then they would have no savings.
I’ve been there, just tiptoes from being in school and also living on the streets. I spent two quarters here at this university, sleeping in my car at night by the river walk, using the gym in the morning to prepare for classes. You do what you have to do and many who come to this country will do the same. Some may already. It's the worry of being hassled that's stressful.
Yes, it didn’t answer much about the minimum wage questions and immigration…but maybe that’s something without an answer?
I don’t know…we all hope there is a solution.
In an already stressed economic puzzle, pieces not accounted for, like immigrants, make it difficult to estimate a true minimum wage. A majority of jobs that cater to immigrants wouldn’t state the impact they have on the company, not as a whole, because they could go to jail, especially in the central states of America.
But, if we discuss a minimum wage, federally, by state, or county; we must look at the consequences and the impact of social programs. As in Washington, where the minimum wage was raised, people on public aid reached a level where they were disqualified. These were non-immigrants.
In the big picture, a question that asks, if immigrants can affect the minimum wage? – I say yes, on certain careers and at a certain maximum numbers of immigrants.
Yet, since the minimum wage is a national debate, I see limited effect that immigrants could have.
Personally, I feel as though I don't know much about this topic to really express an in depth opinion. This reading was rather short, and I have not dealt with economics very much. With that being said, I can't say whether or not I see a relationship between immigrants and minimum wage. I do believe that it is very hard for a family to live off minimum wage, especially larger families. It is unfortunate that our wages in the United States can be extremely dependent on the kind of education we receive. Unfortunately, not all people have the opportunity to attend a university like we are able. One reason is that they do not have the funds to pay for tuition. Without this education, they are very likely to live off a minimum wage job. It seems to be a vicious cycle. When we throw in a large number of immigrants, there is the argument that they are "stealing" US citizens jobs. I believe we are all trying to earn our keep. I know a lot of people have said "low skills means low pay", but I do not think I would be capable of working a tough manual labor job for 50+ hours a week. That within itself does require a certain amount of skill. I don't believe people take that into consideration very much. I do wish that every hard worker would be able to earn the wage they deserve.
Minimum wage and immigration is an interesting topic to think about. The problem, I believe, is not for people and companies that are willing to follow the law and pay employees the state set wage. The problem is that many companies see illegal immigrants as a pool of workers who are willing to do just about any job for very little money. Minimum wage is about starting to earn the minimum wage at a job that does not need a higher education. Based on my experiences and being a citizen of this country, I have worked for major corporations that pay the minimum wage because of the job description, not because of my education or immigration status. I don't think that there is a correlation between minimum wage and immigration
I believe that there are several connections between minimum wage and immigration. I may not phrase this correctly but there use to be an exploitation of African American in the beginning of the construction of the United States economy. I feel as if it is the same thing going on today with immigrants. The only difference now is that they get paid and are not considered slaves anymore. Although some immigrants are in predicament, they are useful to the economy. They will work for any company as long as they have jobs, something most will not do and in some cases they have even created new businesses. Unfortunately, I do not know enough about this issue but I do believe that there are some connections between the two.
I think there is a connect between minimum wage and immigration, but to a certain extent. Minimum wage is a wage that is given without higher education needed. Immigrants come into our country to work and willing to do anything. They will work in the field for minimum wage in order to provide for their families. I personally believe that they deserve more than $9 and hour and here is why. I worked in a bank and was receiving $11 an hour and all I did was stand and help customers, yes it was stressful at times, but let's be honest my job was not hard. immigrants in the other hand wake up at 5 in the morning, go work in the fields and bust their backs in the heat and cold; they only make $300 a week with their bodies aching. They deserve better. People also say that immigrants takes jobs, but I personally believe they don't. If someone needs to work and provide for their family, they will do anything. Majority of the people in the field are immigrants, about 90%. We need to stand up for immigrants and make sure they receive a reasonable wage for their hard work.
I believe that minimum wage does have a direct link to immigration. I feel that due to resources costing more, employers are looking to cut cost in all aspects. When you have to pay more for wood to make the table, where do you make up in what you lost? Cutting labor cost. How do you cut the cost? Hire someone just as qualified to do the job and pay them less. Rather it be in not providing these employees with 401k’s or taking a dollar off the salary. From personal experience I see this happening in the company I work for. There is 2 different categories for the same job. One provides less income with a “temporary” employment status and the other is a permeate position. The permeate employees are provided retirement options, better health care packages, and paid family sick leave. These are all luxuries that are not available to the temporary employees. When a company can pay someone less knowing that they will not complain they are going to go with that option. Unfortunately, immigrants come here looking to provide for themselves and their families and see that over here we offer a little more and think its better when in actuality they are not getting any better income. I also feel realistically this topic cannot be studied adequately due to not having access to all employers paying people under the table.
Personally, I do not think minimum wage and immigration have a significant relationship. The minimum wage is given to an employee based on their job descriptions not their immigration status. Many immigrates are willing to take the low-paying jobs U.S citizens reject. Many minimum wage job are considered “low skilled” and result in low pay. However, I could not image waking up at 4am and working 40 hours plus in the fields, especially in the Kern County summer heat. They say immigrates work low skill jobs when I do not think they are all low skilled. I would probably pass out within a few hours of working out in the fields. I’m not capable of holding a manual labor job and I would not agree that immigrants our “stealing” US citizens jobs. I do think farm laborers should get paid a little more than just the minimum. Pay is given according to education and experiences not necessarily citizenship status. Therefore, I do not believe there is a connection between minimum wage and immigration.
I personally don't believe that there is a connectionn between immigration and minimum wage. I believe they are both tough subjects to consider but no connection can be made. The United States would have a mimimum wage even if immigrants didn't live here. I mention this because in America typically, there is a law for everything. Immigrants are hard workers and would work hard for any job possible. In most cases immigrants take the jobs most citizens would never want. These topics in my opinion are some what opposite because regardless of the minimum wage immigrants will still work hard to make a living for themselves an there families. Also like i mentioned earlier I believe minimum wage would still exist in American with or without immigrants.
I do not argue that there is a strong correlation between minimum wage and immigration. In the United States, minimum wage laws were first developed in the 1930s. These laws were meant to give more equality for the everyday laborer and to reduce the poverty that the average American faced. These laws did affect immigrants, as well as United States citizens. In this sense, immigrants felt changes through the introduction of a minimum wage but were not the only people to be affected, which means that minimum wage laws are not solely connected to immigration. On another point, we are all aware that there are many immigrant workers who are paid less than minimum wage. A major example that comes to mind is the collective group of migrant field and agriculture workers, as we saw in the case of Candido in The Tortilla Curtain.
Despite this support for the absence of a connection between immigration and minimum wage, we may still say that immigrants are unequal to citizens in the workforce in both wages and numbers. As we see in the reading, “immigration accounted for only 5 percent of the increase in U.S. wage inequality between 1980 and 2000.” Minimum wage certainly affects citizens and immigrants differently, but that does not mean there is an overall correlation between the two.
I think that there is definitely a relationship between minimum wage and immigration. Looking at the statistics in the United States, the federal minimum wage currently is $7.25 an hour. As of July 1, 2014, the minimum wage for California is $9.00. California has more immigrants than any other state. Our state is home to more than 10 million immigrants. With such a huge population, it is no wonder why citizens would want an increase in minimum wage. The sad truth though is that immigrants earn less than U.S.-born residents. Immigrants, it can be argued, work longer and harder than their U.S.-born counterparts. I think, regardless of whether they work longer or harder, they should receive equal pay across the board. The argument that California’s minimum wage needs to be increased to $15 is not a factor in my statement. Citizens of California should receive pay that is equal to the work that they do. A major issue that U.S.-born citizens might blame to immigrants is that they take jobs away from them, “U.S. citizens.” Again, there is that relationship factor that people argue based on this distinction of minimum wage and its impact on U.S. born citizens and immigrants. The term, to some people, can also associate with negativity. In general, I think that it will be interesting to see how legislation changes to accommodate the different perspectives of people living in the United States. In the future, the population dynamic will clearly show major interests in immigration. Younger generations that have a direct impact because of their parents, or grandparents, will change the job environment and maybe even try to improve legislation so that factors that got in the way when they were younger won’t hinder their children or grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteThe relationships between minimum wage and immigration have nothing to do with each other. Minimum wage is about starting to earn the minimum wage at a job that does not need a higher education. Based on my experiences and being a citizen of this country, I have worked for major corporations that pay the minimum wage because of the job description, not because of my education or immigration status. The research and the data collected by various specialists do not clearly show if immigrants affect the economy. The research or analyses collected by the specialists were obtained from small samples, and it does not represent the United States. Furthermore, immigration increases the demand for goods from America. Immigrants contribute to the economy of the U.S by creating new businesses, working as laborers, field workers, and purchasing American products. The low-paying jobs have been this way for many years, with or without the increase of immigrants arriving at the U.S. Citizens neglect the hard and difficult jobs, because of the low paying salaries. In order to have a good lifestyle, citizens know that they can have better jobs where they can work less and earn a decent wage, without having to work in jobs that need difficult tasks and that are physically demanding. The circumstance of each immigrant is different, and therefore immigrants take on the jobs that citizens reject. Citizens use the services that the government provides, such as welfare and other government aids, because they do not work hard enough to get a good education, and neglect to search for decent jobs that will economically support them. Therefore, the economy and immigration have nothing to do with the inequalities of wages.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading a few articles, I see a few connections, but I don’t really see a strong relationship between minimum wage and immigration. Minimum wage is giving to positions based on the job description itself and not immigration status. Even education isn’t always a factor when comes down to wage size. Most studies show the impact immigrants have on the economy in certain areas, or in small samples, which does not represent the United States as a whole. If anything, the economy should be blossoming because the need for goods should increase with the increased population. Immigrants actually contribute more than we think to the nation. They provide us with a workforce that is willing to do the jobs that most citizens reject. These difficult, low-paying jobs have been like this for years and it’s thanks to immigrants seeking work that these jobs are actually getting done. The majority of citizens want a lifestyle where they work less and earn more, so the immigrants are not “stealing” these jobs from anybody as the media makes it seem. These people are willing to do the hard work required by these demanding jobs even if they earn less than the minimum wage, so who are we to take that away from them? For these reasons I believe immigration and the economy have little to no relation to the inequality of wages and their constant adjustment.
ReplyDeleteMinimum wage and immigration is an interesting topic to think about. However, I do not think the answer is something so simple that one a few articles or debates can solve. The problem, I believe, is not for people and companies that are willing to follow the law and pay employees the state set wage. The problem is that many companies see illegal immigrants as a pool of workers who are willing to do just about any job for very little money. An example of this is seen in the book "The Tortilla Curtain," the girl was excited about the idea of earning $25 for an entire day of hard labor. As much as society tries to get angry that these people are "taking the jobs," in reality, these jobs have nothing to do with minimum wage. The employers may have hired American citizens if this population of immigrants was not available, but another equally likely options is that their company would fail because they are unable to pay their employees more. This is sad and is not fair to the immigrants who are willing to work hard, but I do not believe that there is necessarily a connection between immigrants and minimum wage because immigrants seldom make the state set minimum wage any way.
ReplyDeleteI do not see a relationship between immigration and minimum wage. I can see how many people and researchers could think that these two topics relate to one another as there are a few connections. The reading for this week went in to some detail regarding George Borja's study findings. He believes that immigration and minimum wage do have a relationship and that education comes into play as well. What I took from his findings was that most immigrants coming from Cuba drop out of school. George Borja thinks that this group will end up in low wage and a low skill job due to their lack of education. I highly disagree with that opinion as I have seen people who are born in this country with degrees who are unemployed or working a part time, minimum wage job. I also know people who are born here, drop out of school and make more money than some people who have higher education. George Borja's study was regarding immigrants and I also know people who are immigrants in this country who have good paying jobs and are making a good living for themselves. I think even if immigration wasn't an issue there would still be minimum wage issues in our country. The amount paid per position is set by the company which takes into consideration the responsibilities and duties that come with that position. Immigration does not determine nor affect what an employer chooses to pay their employee.
ReplyDeleteThe standard minimum wage in America is, according to a report by the National Conference of State Legislature, July 1st, 2015 - the federal minimum wage at 7 dollars and 25 cents per hour (7.25). That being said, many states have higher, or substantially higher minimum wage in their state or region. But, what if you were in a state that the federal minimum was law? That equates to $232 dollars per week, and $928 per month. Now, if you are living at home or sharing rent in an apartment, this maybe suitable…Or is it?
ReplyDeleteAt the age of eighteen, still in high school, I was required to pay rent in the amount of $181.00 per month. Needless to say, and in time, I left home. If I was going to pay rent, then I will have a say on my life and what it means. Now, I know this is 180 degrees from many cultures, such as my wife’s, close friends, and others.
Wouldn’t you say it’s especially difficult if you are a single parent; or married and a spouse/partner off work? Could you imagine when an $825 rent comes due and you can’t make it because what they took out in taxes, unemployment insurance, Medicare, and other required deductions. My rent is $825.00, and I have a phone, and internet, and groceries to buy, and a car to afford, and car insurance to be legal, and no health insurance… isn’t covered, so that’s another expense I would have to pay for.
Imagine if I made 7.25 an hour, as a single person, and wanted to start my life. What hardships would one encounter if they had the same expenses as I do?
Could be devastating? Or is that the reality check we need, that life SHOULD be simpler?
Like “immigration jobs”, the offers are usually non-negotiable.
What if the family is large? What if you live as Candido once did, in an apartment with many others? You thought waiting in line for a bathroom at the movies was an inconvenience? Ha Ha! Well, just wait! Now, could you imagine Candido not having a place like that. Yep, that's why they are in the canyon camping. One small family couldn't make it on an immigrants salary. If so, then they would have no savings.
I’ve been there, just tiptoes from being in school and also living on the streets. I spent two quarters here at this university, sleeping in my car at night by the river walk, using the gym in the morning to prepare for classes. You do what you have to do and many who come to this country will do the same. Some may already. It's the worry of being hassled that's stressful.
Yes, it didn’t answer much about the minimum wage questions and immigration…but maybe that’s something without an answer?
I don’t know…we all hope there is a solution.
In an already stressed economic puzzle, pieces not accounted for, like immigrants, make it difficult to estimate a true minimum wage. A majority of jobs that cater to immigrants wouldn’t state the impact they have on the company, not as a whole, because they could go to jail, especially in the central states of America.
But, if we discuss a minimum wage, federally, by state, or county; we must look at the consequences and the impact of social programs. As in Washington, where the minimum wage was raised, people on public aid reached a level where they were disqualified. These were non-immigrants.
In the big picture, a question that asks, if immigrants can affect the minimum wage? – I say yes, on certain careers and at a certain maximum numbers of immigrants.
Yet, since the minimum wage is a national debate, I see limited effect that immigrants could have.
Personally, I feel as though I don't know much about this topic to really express an in depth opinion. This reading was rather short, and I have not dealt with economics very much. With that being said, I can't say whether or not I see a relationship between immigrants and minimum wage. I do believe that it is very hard for a family to live off minimum wage, especially larger families. It is unfortunate that our wages in the United States can be extremely dependent on the kind of education we receive. Unfortunately, not all people have the opportunity to attend a university like we are able. One reason is that they do not have the funds to pay for tuition. Without this education, they are very likely to live off a minimum wage job. It seems to be a vicious cycle. When we throw in a large number of immigrants, there is the argument that they are "stealing" US citizens jobs. I believe we are all trying to earn our keep. I know a lot of people have said "low skills means low pay", but I do not think I would be capable of working a tough manual labor job for 50+ hours a week. That within itself does require a certain amount of skill. I don't believe people take that into consideration very much. I do wish that every hard worker would be able to earn the wage they deserve.
ReplyDeleteMinimum wage and immigration is an interesting topic to think about. The problem, I believe, is not for people and companies that are willing to follow the law and pay employees the state set wage. The problem is that many companies see illegal immigrants as a pool of workers who are willing to do just about any job for very little money. Minimum wage is about starting to earn the minimum wage at a job that does not need a higher education. Based on my experiences and being a citizen of this country, I have worked for major corporations that pay the minimum wage because of the job description, not because of my education or immigration status. I don't think that there is a correlation between minimum wage and immigration
ReplyDeleteI believe that there are several connections between minimum wage and immigration. I may not phrase this correctly but there use to be an exploitation of African American in the beginning of the construction of the United States economy. I feel as if it is the same thing going on today with immigrants. The only difference now is that they get paid and are not considered slaves anymore. Although some immigrants are in predicament, they are useful to the economy. They will work for any company as long as they have jobs, something most will not do and in some cases they have even created new businesses. Unfortunately, I do not know enough about this issue but I do believe that there are some connections between the two.
ReplyDeleteI think there is a connect between minimum wage and immigration, but to a certain extent. Minimum wage is a wage that is given without higher education needed. Immigrants come into our country to work and willing to do anything. They will work in the field for minimum wage in order to provide for their families. I personally believe that they deserve more than $9 and hour and here is why. I worked in a bank and was receiving $11 an hour and all I did was stand and help customers, yes it was stressful at times, but let's be honest my job was not hard. immigrants in the other hand wake up at 5 in the morning, go work in the fields and bust their backs in the heat and cold; they only make $300 a week with their bodies aching. They deserve better. People also say that immigrants takes jobs, but I personally believe they don't. If someone needs to work and provide for their family, they will do anything. Majority of the people in the field are immigrants, about 90%. We need to stand up for immigrants and make sure they receive a reasonable wage for their hard work.
ReplyDeleteI believe that minimum wage does have a direct link to immigration. I feel that due to resources costing more, employers are looking to cut cost in all aspects. When you have to pay more for wood to make the table, where do you make up in what you lost? Cutting labor cost. How do you cut the cost? Hire someone just as qualified to do the job and pay them less. Rather it be in not providing these employees with 401k’s or taking a dollar off the salary. From personal experience I see this happening in the company I work for. There is 2 different categories for the same job. One provides less income with a “temporary” employment status and the other is a permeate position. The permeate employees are provided retirement options, better health care packages, and paid family sick leave. These are all luxuries that are not available to the temporary employees.
ReplyDeleteWhen a company can pay someone less knowing that they will not complain they are going to go with that option. Unfortunately, immigrants come here looking to provide for themselves and their families and see that over here we offer a little more and think its better when in actuality they are not getting any better income. I also feel realistically this topic cannot be studied adequately due to not having access to all employers paying people under the table.
Personally, I do not think minimum wage and immigration have a significant relationship. The minimum wage is given to an employee based on their job descriptions not their immigration status. Many immigrates are willing to take the low-paying jobs U.S citizens reject. Many minimum wage job are considered “low skilled” and result in low pay. However, I could not image waking up at 4am and working 40 hours plus in the fields, especially in the Kern County summer heat. They say immigrates work low skill jobs when I do not think they are all low skilled. I would probably pass out within a few hours of working out in the fields. I’m not capable of holding a manual labor job and I would not agree that immigrants our “stealing” US citizens jobs. I do think farm laborers should get paid a little more than just the minimum. Pay is given according to education and experiences not necessarily citizenship status. Therefore, I do not believe there is a connection between minimum wage and immigration.
ReplyDeleteI personally don't believe that there is a connectionn between immigration and minimum wage. I believe they are both tough subjects to consider but no connection can be made. The United States would have a mimimum wage even if immigrants didn't live here. I mention this because in America typically, there is a law for everything. Immigrants are hard workers and would work hard for any job possible.
ReplyDeleteIn most cases immigrants take the jobs most citizens would never want. These topics in my opinion are some what opposite because regardless of the minimum wage immigrants will still work hard to make a living for themselves an there families. Also like i mentioned earlier I believe minimum wage would still exist in American with or without immigrants.
I do not argue that there is a strong correlation between minimum wage and immigration. In the United States, minimum wage laws were first developed in the 1930s. These laws were meant to give more equality for the everyday laborer and to reduce the poverty that the average American faced. These laws did affect immigrants, as well as United States citizens. In this sense, immigrants felt changes through the introduction of a minimum wage but were not the only people to be affected, which means that minimum wage laws are not solely connected to immigration. On another point, we are all aware that there are many immigrant workers who are paid less than minimum wage. A major example that comes to mind is the collective group of migrant field and agriculture workers, as we saw in the case of Candido in The Tortilla Curtain.
ReplyDeleteDespite this support for the absence of a connection between immigration and minimum wage, we may still say that immigrants are unequal to citizens in the workforce in both wages and numbers. As we see in the reading, “immigration accounted for only 5 percent of the increase in U.S. wage inequality between 1980 and 2000.” Minimum wage certainly affects citizens and immigrants differently, but that does not mean there is an overall correlation between the two.