Centerfield

I've always assumed that at the end of the statement "we only take jobs U.S citizens don't want" is an implied "at the offered wages." That's a crucial part of the statement really, and probably shouldn't be implied. Of course, nothing about the quote from the insider deals with whether the experience Mexican workers were legal or illegal. That's a pretty important point as well, though lately it seems we're assuming illegal in most cases.

The article also says Pemex has sites waiting to be drilled but can't find the manpower. This would seem to be in direct contradiction to the "hire two experienced Mexicans for the price of one untrained American" statement. Sounds like Pemex doesn't want to pay the wages necessary to staff the sites which presumably is a business decision and is unrelated to immigration. If there are that many American workers wanting this work, I'd assume that wages would come down and Pemex would be able to fill their staffing needs.

Bingo on both counts, SD.

There's a candy factory here in Louisiana whose work is mostly seasonal; it can't offer year-round jobs, but needs plenty of workers during the peak periods. They have consistently said in interviews that it's just not possible to find enough "real American" workers willing to go there just for the season, work, and then go on to other jobs elsewhere.

I'm generally for treating illegal immigration as an economic problem rather than a law enforcement problem. It's too big an issue to just lock up 11 million illegal immigrants and force them back across the border, and it would have MAJOR impacts on our economy, mostly, I think, for the bad.

BUT, that said, the recent demonstrations disturb me greatly. If your allegiance is to Mexico, and you advocate returning parts of this country to Mexico, I don't want you here. If you want to assimilate and become Americans like millions of immigrants before you, then I'm more than happy to welcome you.

But in part those demonstrations (brought about by a failure of assimiliation, just as were the Muslim riots in France earlier) are happening precisely because our country has had such a confusing stance on these immigrants. By failing to make allowances for the immigration which employers assert is desparately needed, by so assiduously labeling these workers as ILLEGAL and making it impossible for them to become more integrated into society, we are guaranteeing that they will NOT assimilate, even if they wanted to. If we were instead to make allowances for a sufficient amount of legal immigration to meet the pretty demonstrated demand, then we could more easily establish things so that those immigrants would assimilate into our society.

Pat,

I think you're assuming too much. While I'm sure there were clearly radical elements in those marches, I think it's unfair to generalize and say it was all about Mexican "reconquista."

I think a lot of it has to do to with pride in their Mexican heritage, as well as with their families in Mexico. Assimilation is crucial, but we shouldn't assume that all of those people in involved are anti-assimilation.

Your point about our confusing policy affecting sentiment in spot on though. We've had a haphazard policy for years. I think a lot of this is just a reaction to that, and the irratiionality that has affected both sides of this issue.

Pat,

Ineterstingly enough, Gustavo Arrellano of the OC Weekly just published an article in the LA Times that took a different interpretation -- link here (registration required).

As Gustavo argues, the recent protests are more about a demand for recognition from a group that no longer wishes to reside in the shadows and now wants this chance for assimilation. Obviously, there's probably elements of both involved here, but I just thought I'd float the alternate proposition.

Bobby and Rafique are of course both correct. There were definitely elements of both the "reconquistadors" and those who just want to assimilate into American society like millions of immigrants before them. It is incumbent on those who wish to assimilate to vocally and visibly set themselves apart from the reconquistadors.

It is also incumbent upon the rest of us to provide incentives for the assimilators to continue that path. If we lump them in with the bad guys and refuse to listen to their legitimate gripes (I'm reminding myself here, not preaching), then we will only encourage them to join the reconquistadors.

As I said, I believe in an economic solution to the problem, not a law enforcement one. I remain commited to that notwithstanding the disturbing elements I saw in the protests. But I urge everyone, especially the hard working immigrants (legal and otherwise) who just come here looking for a better life, to distance themselves from more radical elements.