There are two ways to look at the new Arizona law which aims to stamp out illegal immigration. The good thing about it is that it presents a solution, however controversial, to a long standing problem. The bad thing about it is that it sets precedent for other states which is financially ill timed.

Americans like to be paid and paid well. When it comes to construction jobs, farming jobs and other menial tasks Americans want no part of it because it pays little for the amount of work done. For example, picking strawberries on acres and acres of land for $10 a day (the minimum amount stipulated by the government) is something that no one wants to do.

With the recession hitting the U.S. very hard, many construction companies and farmers are struggling to pay even the minimum rate. This is where illegal immigrants have proved to be a godsend. They do not bargain on wages and do everything that is required. Although this is really an abuse of worker’s rights, it is unfortunately what has been powering the nation for many years.

If more laws like the Arizona law come into place, then employers have no choice but to pay increased wages to their workers. This in turn drives up the cost of the finished product. Again, the recession comes into play here. First of all people don’t have the money to pay the increased cost of goods and second, with a lack of sales production is not justified at the increased cost.

While it may seem a callous way of looking at the situation, the reality is that America needs its illegal immigrants – at least until it is well and truly out of the recession period.