Deseret News | Guest worker program proposed

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Guest worker program proposed

In Shock!!!! | 7:13 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

So the Chamber of Commerce and some legislators are proposing the State of Utah officially certify illegal aliens to be eligible to work in the state?!?! Perhaps these legislators should check in with the Department of Homeland Security first!!!

P.S. How do they propose doing a background check on a person who has probably used multiple aliases and has no fixed address. I suppose the prospect of cheap labor trumps all ethics in Utah.

Of course! | 7:31 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

"I suppose the prospect of cheap labor trumps all ethics in Utah."

Can't have those out-of-work middle-class people cluttering up the place, can we?

matt b | 10:04 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Yea, imagine that. The chamber is actually looking for a solution rather than reverting to xenophobia and an unjustified sense of entitlement.

Comments continue below

Alexis | 11:09 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

This sounds like a positive step. Kudos to the legislature for working to solve a problem, rather than just point fingers. I also gotta hand it to the business community for leading rather than just complaining all the time. This is a positive step for our economy and another case of Utah taking the lead in place of an incompetent federal government.

Change of heart | 11:14 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I used to be staunchly against any sort of worker program for people who came here illegally. I've now realized that we have to move on, work with what we have, and productively solve this problem. This sounds like a huge first step. My thanks to the chamber of commerce and legislators for working on this tough issue. I'm sure there will need to be some refinements. But this is a start. Keep up the good work.

Deseret Dawg | 1:11 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Wrong move! With Americans experiencing mass layoffs, we have a patriotic obligation to offer those jobs to Americans first.

Unfortunately, the Chamber of Commerce appears more patriotic to the dollar than to the country.

Won't work | 4:49 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

For one thing Utah can not write laws concerning the federal immigration policies. We cannot call them guest workers as they are not guests and to become guest workers they must have a green card. Utah can't write its own green cards for illegal foreign nationals and declare them as legal in the U.S. Another thing is Utah can't divert Medicare/Medicaid and SSA funds from the federal departments. I do go along with forcing employers paying an illegal alien employee fee but more important, we need jobs for tax paying americans. For Utah to try and set its own immigration laws are illegal as this is federal law. What Utah can do is force the federal government to incarcerate any and all illegal foreign nationals in our jails, clogging our courts, hiding on american soil. If Utah had american workers employed instead of allowing businesses to employ illegals, there wouldn't be any need for such a plan. We cannot create laws to protect illegals or interfer with federal regulations and federally funded programs. We cannot act on and create a guest worker program and the american people should be appauled at the turncoats and traitors to america running Utah's government.

Norm Lindgren | 5:33 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Bad recommendation. Does not address the high cost of educating children from illegal parents. Highest birth rate in Utah. American/Utah children are suffering from poor education which partly has been caused by the confusion and over-crowding in the class rooms from children who do not speak English. Why not just follow the LAW. Illegal means they are here in violation of the law. Talk to teachers which I have and it is bad. How do you control the high birth rate which is creating major problems. I find this a major issue through-out the USA. I travel to many states each year and hear the same issues. We need one national law not every state creating their own. Close the borders and and obey our law not Utah's trying to create their own. Utah is a sanctuary for illegal immigrants and the homeless which is why we have the issues we do. We need to start caring about our children and our elderly which receive less attention than the illegal immigrants, but of course they are a burden and not cheap labor.

Anonymous | 5:46 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

The Chamber says it wants to eliminate poverty, but it insists on importing poverty by having large numbers of third world immigrants from poor countries come into the U.S.

Bryan Robinson | 6:02 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

This is a good thing and a move in the right direction. Anyone that really understands the issue knows that this will help improve the local economy as well as the lives of citizens and undocumented workers alike. Those who say we should just enforce the laws we have don't understand how broken, unworkable and unjust those laws are. Reform is desperately needed for all of oursakes.

Anonymous | 6:14 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I see a problem with the term "Guest Worker". Guest implies they were invited, will leave, and will have to do nothing they don't want to do and we'll be happy to foot the bill. Sounds like a good gig to me.

Applause | 6:38 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Good for the Chamber!

I hope others look for answers as well.

Seeking solutions is surely better than separating parents from children by deporting 20 million people who are willing to work hard. Hopefully this approach will help Utah's economy rebound.

weezie | 7:00 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Talk about being out of touch with working people, this group takes the cake. Deport these law breakers and put some effort into employing our own people.

Chinese | 7:39 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Great move chamber. The auto insurance and medical insurance companies make money...the "Guests" get a savings account and the citizens get to compete with cheap labor.

May I make a suggestion. How about rent a boat and import Chinese "Guests". Those guys work cheaper than our southern neighbors.....heck the Vietnamese are even cheaper than the Chinese. I hear that the Cubans are real bargain this year and then lets not forget about all those starving Africans.

Cheap labor will do the trick, especially as we start to see AMERICANS hit the unemployment lines.

WatchDog | 8:17 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I would accept a guest worker program, IF the following was true:

1) They come here legally

2) The job was legitimately offered to citizens first with no takers.

3) The pay for the work they do was AT LEAST as much as a citizen would get paid.

4) The employer was willing to responsible for ALL costs for them being here, like educating their kids for example.

5) ALL taxes were being paid, JUST LIKE is done for citizens.

In that the reason for the hiring of illegals is to avoid doing these things, I don't see that we need guest workers - nor does the employer if they should have to be responsible to existing laws like workman's comp, SS, etc.

After all, we now have climbing unemployment, so there should be plenty of citizens to take these jobs. The real purpose is to pass along the costs of their employees to the U.S. taxpaying citizen. That is the real purpose. Don't let the Chamber fool you, that is what it is all about.

Dave | 8:35 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

This is the right idea. Aside from an obvious conflict with Fed laws, the qualifications go too far, nobody would qualify.

bracero | 8:56 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

sounds like prison...

Anonymous | 9:04 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Great Ideas Watchdog

I like the idea of the employer paying for educating their kids but we can add a few more cost equlizers.

Pay the expenses for bilingual teachers, cops, court employees. I know the ever thoughtful chamber has an insurance mandate but we need bilingual agents and nurses. Ant American citizen that has to interact with our new "guests" must have their added expenses compensated. Manufacturers must be compensated for bilingual packaging, all employees will be compensated for the time and effort to learn a new language.
Thgink of all the overtime that will be paid to english speakers while they master a new language.
We can't have all those street sins in english so replace them with bilingual directions.

I think you hit on something Watchdog. Have the employers cover EVERY expense incured by their minimum wage guests.
BTW......don't forget to require a ged or HS diploma from the "guest"......we have to have equal education.

I Hope that when | 9:31 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

the economy gets even tougher the weeping liberals are the first to apply for a job as taco maker.

Cory | 9:39 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Bracero stated that this system "sounds like prison." When you break laws to get what you want, there are consequences.

While I think the plan on the table will lead us to an increase in fraud and corruption, I do like that there is at least talk of a very high bar that "undocumenteds" have to make it over to participate. I think that the high bar, though, will ultimately deter "undocumenteds" from using the system all together.

Like Wow | 9:39 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Yes lets be the Amnesty State and reward criminal behavior. Can you say influx of illegals.

Jared | 9:58 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I think the Chamber is right on. It takes courage to propose a workable solution like the one presented. This is the type of leadership we need on this issue.

UTAH PATRIOT | 10:06 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Shouldn't ICE arrest the chamber of commerce members for aiding and abetting criminals?

evensteven | 10:10 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

This plan has more holes than the border. Even a cursory review of what the DNews presented reveals serious verification issues, constitutional issues, DHS issues, and cost shifting issues.

Why, in a period of economic instability, would we want to chance an 'influx' of new workers to Utah? This plan would not help the economy AT ALL. The Chamber and Mr. Beattie are on the wrong side of this and ignore simple human nature in proposing such a plan. We've been here before.

Here's hoping the Legislature sees the presentation for what is is - a dog and pony show with eye candy to divert attention from its failure to honestly address the issues.

Utah Resident | 10:33 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I am glad to see that the State of Utah is again taking the lead on solving the issue and not just criticize and do nothing. If the plan does go through, it will be a great thing to see what a group of people is willing to pay in taxes in order to contribute and be part of this of community, and let's not forget that they are already paying sales taxes on what they buy and property taxes for those who own cars and real state! It has my support!

John Reynolds | 10:40 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Guest worker programs DO NOT work !!
I saw it for myself in Europe where I lived for 16 years. Those countries have been taken over by the guest workers, and some of them are into the governments there now and those countries have lost their identities as a result.

It's all about the money | 10:58 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

The Government just found a way to collect fees for something that is already happening. The only part of this that will be strictly enforced is the fee. It has already been pointed out the background checks will be a joke. all this does is make it a little more expensive for the employers hiring illegals and the government collects some money. I guess that is a mini step forward, but you would think they could come up with something better.

guest | 11:10 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

The guest has been at the trough too long. Arrest the criminals and send them packing.

ANY non- citizen of the US that crossed our border in violation of our laws must be sent home.

No papers.....get on the bus. Leave your US citizen relatives here if you wish but hit the road.
Hit the road or line up for a jail cell.

Dave | 11:41 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Sounds like a political subterfuge to me! Why would the illegals want to go through all these steps when the whole idea of coming here is to avoid taxes and any personal responsibility?
This is just a smokescreen to try to keep the legislature from REALLY acting on the issue. By the time the legislature gets through debating this nonsense, the session will be over and ANOTHER year will have passed with nothing done.
WASN'T EVEN WORTH THE COMMITTEES' TIME!

No matter what the "spin" is, the only ones who want the illegals here are the ones who are gonna make a big pile of money from their labors!

Andrea | 12:04 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

All of the pro-Chamber commments sound like they were written by the same person.

Steve | 12:27 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

OK, letï¿½s draft this proposal, get ready to implement it, and then send it to be studied for a year and let it die in committee.

itsjustme | 1:46 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

We already have a "guest worker" program. The only problem with it is our "guests" were uninvited. So until the country/state rids itself of our current "guests", there should be no more invited.

Patriot | 3:49 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

This is why they delayed implementation of SB81 for a year and a half. Unfortunatley, for these open border illegal alien appeasers the economy is tanking and millions of Americans are out of work.

What is it that these guys don't get??? We already have a guest worker program and it doesn't work because it is rife with corruption and fraud.

The outlaw businesses at the SLC Chamber are on life support and are in withdrawel mode from hiring illegal aliens for so many years. They think they are so tricky devising their sneaky little amnesty which they have no power to enact. Remember what the open border apologists told us?? Immigration is a Federeal Problem! Now, they think they can pass amnesty's at the local level. Utah, wake up and smell the greed of your leaders and maybe you will realize what is really behind these tricky schemes.

The people have spoken! Why do you think Obama and McCain were afraid to talk about illegal immigration? Why do you think that those Democrats that won ran to the right of the Republicans on Illegal Immigration? This is now the new third rail of politics. Attrition-Through-Enforcement Works!

Vern | 4:55 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I just have one question for the chamber. If I shoplift at your store will you back me up and support me for my ILLEGAL actions as you do for the illegal aliens with this plan????? They are here illagaly so we should be working on getting them sent home so we can start taking care of our own (the disabled waiting list for one) Yes or No???

jULIO DOWN BYTHESCHOOL YARD! | 5:03 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

give the job to the american, just like they give the job to their relatives right here in america and yeah right here in utah. all this does is set up the state for more overflow of this population. no child left behind will become we all get left behind!

jim | 6:51 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

why do we need a guest worker program? I was told that they were only doing jobs americans wont do. Well with the economy slowing and americans looking for jobs, we dont need them now or then, illegals taking jobs.

It is as it always has been. Business looking for cheap labor. This is just another attempt or end run around what the american people want.

I spent over 7 years in the military defending this country. Now I expect this country to defend me and my right to make a decent living.

Are you Joking? | 7:32 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

We lost 350,000 jobs in the economy last month alone and unemployment is at an all time high. Now these morons want a guest worker program to legalize criminals whose first act in the country was to break the law? No wonder this nation is falling apart.We need to fear the rampant stupidity that is pervading every level of governement and corporate America more than anything else. These are the arquitects of the current disaster. The Chamber of Commerce is so out of touch it is beyond comprehension. We need all illegals to go home without further delay, they are not needed here at all and are nothing but a drain on the whole system.

tenx | 6:57 a.m. Dec. 5, 2008

Absolutley brilliant. 520,000 lost their jobs in November and nearly as many in October, unemployed is at a near 30 year high and the Chamber wants to bring in guest workers to "improve the economy"! I"m sure they have the support of the Utah Home Builders Assoc. also. Maybe we could send our unemployed to Mexico on a guest worker program! For sure let's include some guest workers to replace the staff of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Anonymous | 7:30 a.m. Dec. 5, 2008

Well put JIM 6:51 pm. I wonder how many of the staff at SL Chamber have served in our military????

Johnny Bravo | 9:50 a.m. Dec. 5, 2008

If they'll argue for a guest worker program at a time of soaring unemployment, when won't they argue for one? If they'll say they have a labor shortage now, when won't that happen.

Suggestions that we should offer these jobs only with conditions attached, such as requiring that 'the job be offered to citizens first' and that 'guests have to be offered pay at the prevailing rate' are perfectly illogical.

Going pay rates rise and fall in sync with dmeand. If employers know they can offer a job for $6 an hour, and that if no American takes it they can bring in a "guest," why then would wages EVER rise. Indeed, that's why they DIDN'T rise in the last 7 years.

These businesses sell product. They expect to be able to sell it for what the market will bare. If demand soars for real estate or gasoline (to use two totally random examples) they expect to be able to raise the price and pocket the extra profit. Why shouldn't American workers be able to raise their prices and pocket the profit when demand for their labor rises? Why is that somehow wrong?

HernandezUSA | 12:04 p.m. Dec. 5, 2008

We need the SAVE ACT and E-verify used for every business and NOT Amnesty.

E-verify does not discriminate against RACE, Religion, SEX or physically capability only your Citizenship and your LEGAL right to be and work in United States.

If we can stop Predatory business owners from hiring then the Illegal Aliens will not Stay and return to their native Countries.

This ISSUE is not about RACE, but Governments Federal/State/LOCAL not doing their jobs, because big and small business owners want cheap workers and no labor laws to bother with. Its called GREED!

The only RACISTS are the single RACE agenda GROUPS like La RAZA, Mecha, Aztlan and ETC....Whose main goal is take our Western States back to Mexico.

Liberals and Conservatives need to take some pride in our Country and protect it from all invading nations citizens and corporate greed.

Please, NO IMMIGRANT BASHING or HATE Crimes.
HATE only feeds the single RACE agenda groups for Open Borders and the Media.

CT | 3:31 p.m. Dec. 5, 2008

I would like to see how many of you are ready to take a job as dishwasher's, or so on. The economy need immigrants, so that many businesses stay alive and not because of the cheap labor but because of hard working attitudes that many US Citizens don,t have. Remember that many businesses prefered one ILLEGAL to do the job that otherwise would take 2 or more citizens... GOD BLESS YOU....

Anonymous | 11:56 p.m. Dec. 6, 2008

CT you are soooo.... wrong. God Bless You.

jrhino | 12:57 a.m. Dec. 7, 2008

A friend and I have been distributing this to apt. buildings here in Denver where illegals live. Some are very excited to have a State that will take care of their needs.

Here in Denver it is increasingly hard to get benifits and work. Those I talked to said they would be willing to reclocate.

CT | 3:24 p.m. Dec. 7, 2008

Anonymous, prove it to me with facts and not personal bias. As many people seem to do in this country... Thanks.

Farmer | 11:46 a.m. Dec. 18, 2008

I have spoken to several business owners with tough labor businesses. They have posted and posted their positions with no luck from Americans. Most American's don't want to break a sweat. I will be posting for positions for next year for laborers to work Monday - Saturday 10 hour days in 100+ degree heat in the fields. Let's see how many Americans apply.

Anonymous | 11:30 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Herman Menderchuck,Can you explain to me everything that has existed thousands of years before your existence? ,

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