Report says raids led to higher pay at packing plants

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1208&u_sid=10590073

Published Thursday March 19, 2009
Report says raids led to higher pay at packing plants
BY JOE RUFF
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Immigration raids on six Swift & Co. meatpacking plants in 2006, including one in Grand Island, Neb., resulted in higher wages and fewer illegal immigrants working at the plants, according to a nonprofit think tank that seeks to curb immigration.

In a report released today, the Center for Immigration Studies says the raids provided a good case study of what happens when illegal immigrant labor is removed from the workplace.

One finding: Although the plants had to curtail production for several months, they continued to operate without illegal workers. At least four of the plants also increased pay for workers, the report said.

The impact of immigrant labor on other workers and the economy as a whole has long been debated.

Most economists agree that immigrant labor drives down wages for low-skill workers, though how much has been a matter of disagreement. Some economists also argue that immigrant workers benefit the economy as a whole, reducing prices, taking hard-to-fill, low-wage jobs and helping fuel growth in higher-wage occupations.

The Center for Immigration Studies, a nonpartisan group based in Washington, favors limiting immigration and enforcing immigration laws to help increase wages, to relieve strains on the health care and education systems, and to support rule of law, said Steven Camarota, director of research.

FULL story at link.

[Traveling_Home]

1. Ouch! nt

[aquart]

2. Is this a current problem?

Is anyone still trying to get into this country?