I don't have a strong opinion on immigration. But I will share my experience in running restaurants for the last couple decades.

I've never hired anyone who didn't have proper work documentation. That said, when I hire a busser or a dishwasher, the two least-agreeable jobs in a restaurant, guess who is interested? Immigrants. Guess who is NOT interested? Everyone else. Seems that every white-skinned citizen I've ever hired for these positions was either a drunk or a burn-out, or a high school kid who quickly loses interest and quits---sad but true. The workers from Ecuador or Mexico show up on time, support families, don't blow their checks on booze and dope.

I pay the same rate and I hire the best eligible person for the job...but I find it sad that so many young men and women who were born in this country have absolutely no interest in entry-level work. They don't even bother to apply.

Not making a big point here, just demonstrating a curious reality that every restaurant operator is well-aware of...

http://www.soundclick.com/MarkKaufman