Employment and immigrants
The tone of the front-page article "Panel Studies Impact of New Immigrants on US Jobs, Wages," May 6, suggests that immigrants, by accepting low-paying jobs, are responsible for the unemployment of Americans. However, workers do not depress their own wages, employers do. The Commission of Immigration Reform, rather than perpetuating the myth that the people most exploited by the economic system are somehow running it, could put its energies to better use by examining big agriculture's exploitation of imm igrant labor. The price we pay for this is far too great to keep looking the other way or blaming the newest and poorest members of our work force. Shelley Macy, Bellingham, Wash.
Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published, subject to condensation, and none acknowledged. Please fax letters to (617) 450-2317 or address them to "Readers Write," One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.