Florida reality report: Illegal immigrants are killing the skilled-labor market


What has happened to the immigration debate? For months it was front-page news. Then we get "illegal immigrants" protesting their plight when they committed a crime crossing the border, and the furor died down. Since when to we bow down to criminals to make policy?

I am from the "Burgh" (Penn Hills), but now live in Florida. I wish I didn't.

I am a master carpenter. For the last two years, I have watched a flood of new "illegals" every time someone mentions amnesty. This is unacceptable in the post-9/11 world.

I know, let's build a 700-mile fence on a 2,000-mile border. Who do you think would build it? MOD EDIT -- maybe a bit drastic, but we have to stop this flood of criminals. Trust me, crime is rampant in these migrant camps.

People up "North" think these people are taking jobs that Americans won't do. Nothing could be further from the truth. I know President Bush's cronies love paying that $5 an hour, but it will drag us all down. Here's some evidence: Recent polls show that 4 out 10 Floridians are considering moving out of this state, where we can compete on a level playing field.

I feel sorry for the young people not going to college who want to work at a very fulfilling job. All of the skilled trade jobs will be gone in less than five years -- and you can mark my words.


GARY RYAN
Seminole, Fla


http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07064/766859-110.stm