There is a large fear in the restaurant industry revolving around the issue of immigration. Restaurant owners are being charged for hiring illegal workers with the knowledge that they are here illegally. The restaurant industry is one of the largest employers of illegal immigrants. (Kershaw)
Obama created a policy that began in April 2009 that is getting stricter punishments for employees who hire illegal workers. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement has already investigated 2,073 businesses just this year. (Kershaw) This is a large increase since in the past, government officials have been very easygoing.
An owner of two restaurants in Maryland pleaded guilty to hiring illegal workers and he was forced to give up $700,000 in assets, including his own property. He also is facing up to 10 years in prison.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1.4 million workers of the 12.7 million workers in the restaurant industry are immigrants. Both legal and illegal. About 20% of all chefs are illegal, and 28% of all dishwashers are illegal. Immigrants are attractive to employers because they work hard for low wages. This crackdown on illegal workers may cause an increase in prices since workers will be forced to hire more legal, competent workers, increasing wages.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/08/dining/08cracksdown.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=restaurant%20industry&20industry&st=Search
I don't think the ends justify the means in terms of punishment for hiring illegal immigrants in the restaurant industry. The restaurant owner in Maryland should not have to give up $700,000 and spend up to 10 years in prison. I think that's a little overboard. Although, their should be a punishment because these illegal immigrants will work for lower wages than they deserve and the owner will walk away with more money.
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