Reply #51: Wages are too low, job competition too high.

[uppityperson]

Those I have known are able to work here, away from family, sending money home for them to live on there. They would have to work 80 hours a week there for less than they can make in 30 hrs a week here. Ask those "some people", don't you think they would prefer to live with their spouses and kids rather than having to go away to work? For those who bring their families along, don't you think they would prefer to live amongst their friends without fearing the law?

Economic incentive is a really big one. And no, not to "live the american dream" but to be able to raise healthy kids who are able to get enough education to get out of the basic low paid manual worker role. Or is that the american dream?

Edited to add, I knew a couple guys who came here illegally, are working towards being here legally. They had sponsored jobs, places to live, etc, and were not able to go home and see their families for over a yr. Each had baby/small kids at home that they couldn't see for over a yr. If they went back home into Mexico, they would lose the time they'd put in here already. 1 went back, 1 stayed. They really missed their families. Staying legally isn't that easy for many people.