Chipotle Raids Raise More Issues with Illegal Immigration

The U.S. seems to have a labor problem.  Hard-working, senior workers from companies are forcefully being kicked out by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and while immigrants cringe to find new jobs, companies are trying to fill these positions with cheaper labor.

The ICE has been conducting many raids in companies that employ undocumented workers.  The latest company to bare the effects of ICE raids is popular fast food chain Chipotle.  Many workers and managers have been forcefully kicked out of Chipotle because of their illegal status.  However, most of these workers have worked with Chipotle for years, speak English well, and were working towards moving themselves up in the company.  Moreover, most of these workers have lived in the U.S. for years and have children that are U.S. citizens.

Although many workers have been fired, their hope of maintaining a life in the U.S. has not dwindled.  In fact, some of the workers who were fired find other jobs with other fast food chains rather quickly.  Others are having more trouble.

What is bothering immigration advocates is the fact that these workers were working sincerely out in the public.  With these sorts of audits, there is a belief that many workers may turn to “undocumented” jobs where their work and pay will be “under the table.”  This, in turn, hurts the U.S. more than helps it.  It is better to have illegal workers working out in the public, rather than earning money under the table.  Although the ICE thinks that it is helping the quality of U.S. labor through these raids, in a way it may be encouraging compensation that will be undocumented and hidden.

Is it even likely that workers will turn to these “under the table” like positions?  Why yes, it is.  Many immigrant workers also are complaining that they are not able to find jobs because of the “Chipotle” tag on their resume.  Due to all the labor riots, protests, and media publicity surrounding Chipotle’s labor practices, companies seem to be hesitant in hiring ex-Chipotle workers.

Unfortunately, the Obama administration has not been of much help regarding such immigration issues.  Obama’s views have been described as “vague and lacking substance.”  What this administration really needs to focus on is the consequences of the ICE raids.

Overall, such raids do nothing but harm.  Granted, having workers with illegal statuses in the U.S. workforce is not a good thing for our country.  However, when there are workers who have worked with a company for years, speak English well, and have family that are U.S. citizens, is it really wise to kick them to the curb?  Is it wise to encourage “under the table-like employment?”

Rather than the ICE kicking such workers out, the ICE could document the number of workers in each of these companies and do a profile check to see how many years the worker has been with the company, any family they have, etc.  Then, based on such details, the ICE could either help these workers achieve legal status, or ask the companies to terminate the employment.  This way, companies will not lose skilled and loyal workers, and the U.S. can effectively work towards finding a solution to the illegal immigrant issue.

Although the illegal immigration issue is much more complex and not likely to be solved with a “quick fix,” our government needs to realize that kicking illegal workers out on the curb via ICE raids is not a solution to the problem.  In fact, it will only increase the problem as these workers strive to make ends meat.

Rather than conducting raids, the ICE should implement a procedure where stats on these workers is documented, and aid is given to them to achieve illegal status based on factors such as length of employment, etc.  With such tactics, major companies can keep their hard-working and loyal workers, and our news will be filled with more pertinent issues rather than what is going on at McDonalds or Chipotle.