Is Illegal Labor Wrong?

The decision by Secretary of Labor nominee Linda Chavez to withdraw her nomination last week marked the first stumbling block for the Bush administration. Though the story made headlines around the country, the issue itself -- employing undocumented immigrants -- is a topic revisited. Before the Clinton Administration appointed Attorney General Janet Reno, its initial pick, Zoe Baird, was forced to withdraw her nomination in the midst of similar allegations. And it's no secret that plenty of Americans, including many Angelenos, have employed undocumented immigrants. The practice is likely to continue as long as there is a demand for low-skill labor and illegals are willing to meet that demand for a below-market wage. So the Business Journal asks:

Do you think hiring an undocumented immigrant is wrong?

John A. Morales

Partner

MaGuirePartners

I think that every American should do everything in their power to hire U.S. citizens. And with the amount of labor resources out there, it's prudent for all of us to give a citizen the right to be employed if there's demand for labor.

David Kelmenson

Partner

Critical Mass Studio

Yes. It's bending the rules of the system. Our legal system is imperfect, but it is also as efficient of a system as you could possibly create. When it comes to illegal immigrants, we have certain labor laws, and we all have to abide by those rules whether we like them or not. But with regards to the Chavez resignation, I don't think she should have been forced to resign for something she did years ago. She should have been given an opportunity to plead her case.

Paul Goldman

CEO 

Giant Window

Is it wrong legally? Yes, it is illegal. However, we all know that not all laws are followed exactly. Look at the speed limit, for instance. We all know the law and yet we all collectively break the law. Laws have to fit society. In our country today, there are illegal immigrants and there is a need for that sort of labor, be it nannies or migrant workers who pick fruit Each individual balances their reality with the law and then makes their decisions.

Adilah Dames

Founder

Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival

I would say it's wrong from the standpoint of what the name implies. The name is "illegal aliens," and therefore to employ them is breaking the law. However, once they are here, they need to be able to survive and, given the fact that some of them are needy, I do not see anything wrong with them earning their own money. I prefer that over them being on welfare. My main concern is that they not be exploited as cheap labor.

Jeffrey Ullman

Founder & President

Greater Relations Worldwide

Hiring cheap makes sense; hiring illegal is just plain dumb. Affluent people are smart enough to know how to reduce their taxes. Shouldn't they be equally smart enough to realize that hiring illegal aliens is just that, illegal? The money they save usually comes back to bite them, or if they really want to help, they can hire an immigration attorney for their worker. The rules of the road are that you're supposed to hire Americans first. I find it perpetually amusing that affluent people are the first to complain about high taxes, yet they're the first to do something illegal.

Rob Novak

Senior Underwriter

Compass Insurance

I personally don't think so, only because the illegals perform a worthwhile function where there's a need, So in that respect I think it's a good thing. I think there should be some sort of legal precedent in place. What I'm saying is, I think these people should be legalized before they are hired, but I can understand why illegal hiring takes place.