Roofers, Apple Pickers, Brick Masons, and... Computer Hardware Engineers?
March 29, 2006
What do roofers, agricultural workers, brick masons, construction laborers, computer hardware engineers, and upholsterers have in common? According to the April 3 edition of Newsweek ("A Border War") all of these professions are made up of 18-29% illegal immigrants in the US. Here's the full list:
29% of all roofers and agricultural workers
25% of brick masons and construction laborers
20% of computer hardware engineers
18% of upholsterers
Those of you outside the US may not be aware that immigration reform is the hot political issue of the day (as it is just about everywhere these days). I don't know how I feel one way or the other about the problem, but I have to admit I was shocked to see that such a high number of computer engineers are in the country illegally. It shouldn't be surprising though, given the difficulty these days of finding qualified candidates, let alone trying to get a visa allocated for someone who isn't a US citizen or permanent resident. The sad thing is the engineers are going to get hired whether they're here or overseas. All things being equal, why not just hire them here?
I spent some time over in France last year and the problem was even worse. In addition to the difficulties a foreigner faces trying to work permanently in France, it's so hard to fire people that companies don't even like to hire French citizens full time! (For a more humorous take on the news from France, check out this clip from The Daily Show).