Harry's Illegals

Every tax is a pay cut. Every tax cut is a pay raise.
Citizens for Limited Taxation

Uninvited House Guests Thursday, April 8, 2004

Harold J. Wolfe Metrowest Daily News

To illutrate the issue of illegal aliens (undocumented immigrants to some) in Framingham, imagine if you will, a company called "Harry's Landscaping". Harry's ad says "Harry's Landscaping - Reasonable Prices all year long"
Harry employs 10 illegal aliens. Not wanting to be bothered with paper work, he pays his employees with cash under the table. The illegals cost him about $5-$10 per hour depending on seniority. Being a small firm, Harry does not offer his employees any perks such as health insurance but will certainly provide transportation to job sites. Harry prides himself on being able to undercut his competitors who are not using illegal aliens.
Harry is making money hand over fist.
This scenario shows that:

Harry is violating U.S. immigration law by harboring and aiding illegal aliens.
The illegals are violating U.S. immigration law by being in the U.S. by bypassing the INS.
Harry is exploiting illegals by paying absurdily low wages for a town like Framingham.
Since Harry's employees are not covered by health insurance, the illegals are forced to use the Framingham Union Hospital emergency room as their primary care physician for non-emergency care.
Harry's employees are most likely sending remittances back home.
It is likely that Framingham teenagers will have less temporary jobs in the summer time and high school graduates will have less job opportunities.
The illegals don't make enough to pay federal taxes. Folks who make under $25,000 pay only 3% of federal taxes, but some of Harry's employees might be eligible for the earned income tax credit if they filed a return (which probably won't happen).
You can bet that Harry's illegals might be living in cheap housing. If one managed to forge some documents, they might be able to get a Section 8 voucher from SMOC.
Should Harry go out of business? You decide.
Calling an illegal alien an undocumented immigrant is like calling a burglar an uninvited house guest.

Uninvited House Guests	Thursday, April 8, 2004
Harold J. Wolfe	Metrowest Daily News
To illutrate the issue of illegal aliens (undocumented immigrants to some) in Framingham, imagine if you will, a company called "Harry's Landscaping". Harry's ad says "Harry's Landscaping - Reasonable Prices all year long" Harry employs 10 illegal aliens. Not wanting to be bothered with paper work, he pays his employees with cash under the table. The illegals cost him about $5-$10 per hour depending on seniority. Being a small firm, Harry does not offer his employees any perks such as health insurance but will certainly provide transportation to job sites. Harry prides himself on being able to undercut his competitors who are not using illegal aliens. Harry is making money hand over fist. This scenario shows that: Harry is violating U.S. immigration law by harboring and aiding illegal aliens. The illegals are violating U.S. immigration law by being in the U.S. by bypassing the INS. Harry is exploiting illegals by paying absurdily low wages for a town like Framingham. Since Harry's employees are not covered by health insurance, the illegals are forced to use the Framingham Union Hospital emergency room as their primary care physician for non-emergency care. Harry's employees are most likely sending remittances back home. It is likely that Framingham teenagers will have less temporary jobs in the summer time and high school graduates will have less job opportunities. The illegals don't make enough to pay federal taxes. Folks who make under $25,000 pay only 3% of federal taxes, but some of Harry's employees might be eligible for the earned income tax credit if they filed a return (which probably won't happen). You can bet that Harry's illegals might be living in cheap housing. If one managed to forge some documents, they might be able to get a Section 8 voucher from SMOC. Should Harry go out of business? You decide. Calling an illegal alien an undocumented immigrant is like calling a burglar an uninvited house guest.

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