Illegal immigrants are a chameleon political issue When the country lacks low-wage workers, they're given a green light. In periods of high unemployment, illegal immigrants make many Americans see red. This year, with the economy booming, the Immigration and Naturalization Service has reportedly eased up on trying to nab illegals in the workplace, even as it also remains vigilant at the southern border.
Economic analysts point out the anti-inflation role of cheap labor in a tight market.
Many Texas employers rely on such workers. Mr. Bush is not about to take a get-tough stance on this issue. A few weeks ago organized labor did an about-face on immigration and proposed an amnesty for illegal immigrants now holding jobs in the United States. The AFL-CIO sees the possibility of unionizing a vast new cadre of workers. But he also has to think about the continued vibrancy of an economy that he claims credit for.