Undesired for illegal immigration to perform jobs that U.S. citizens are unwilling to take on

In a tragic turn of events, an illegal immigrant named Harjinder Singh caused a fatal vehicle crash on the Florida Turnpike, claiming the lives of Herby Dufresne, Rodrigue Dor, and Faniloa Joseph. The accident occurred when Singh, who reportedly failed English and road-sign tests, attempted to turn, causing a commercial truck to block the entire northbound lane.

The issue of undocumented immigrants working in demanding professions, such as truck driving, is not limited to Florida. Approximately 19% of US truck drivers are immigrants, with over 275,000 truckers falling into this category. This trend is particularly prevalent in industries with labor shortages and lower wages, such as truck driving, where many American citizens choose to avoid due to long hours, difficult working conditions, and relatively low pay compared to other available jobs.

Employers, including small businesses and corporations, may prefer hiring undocumented workers who are willing to accept these terms, despite there being domestic workers available. This preference has led to the development of an "illegal untouchables" caste system, where undocumented immigrants are assigned the least-attractive duties.

Uber, a company that initially marketed itself as a way for Americans to make extra income in the new gig economy, is not immune to this trend. It has been reported that 56% of Uber drivers nationwide are immigrants of all statuses, with Uliumdzhiev, a Russian national who crossed into the United States illegally in 2022, being an Uber driver in Broward County, Fla.

Despite the controversy surrounding the use of an illegal workforce, Uber has yet to condemn the practice. This has led to the "Great Illegal-Immigrant Lie," causing Americans to consistently lose out to cheaper alternatives in the workforce.

The narrative that an underclass is necessary for handling work Americans don't want to do has been perpetuated for decades. This acceptance of certain jobs being undesirable to Americans has allowed small businesses and corporations to consider a cheaper workforce alternative, contributing to the development of an "illegal untouchables" caste system.

This situation raises questions about the responsibility of companies like Uber and the broader societal implications of this cultural acceptance. As the debate continues, it is crucial to prioritise the safety and fairness of the American workforce and ensure that all workers, regardless of their immigration status, are held to the same standards.

Undesired for illegal immigration to perform jobs that U.S. citizens are unwilling to take on