Many business owners and labor economists predict that if the stream of undocumented workers dried up, it would be a calamity for the American economy, particularly agriculture, construction and food service industries. Even if there are enough native low-skilled workers to take their place--and there are not--many of them would simply be unwilling to do so.

When I worked in the construction industry I was exposed to many migrant workers who were willing to work twice as hard for half the pay of native workers. Many employers take advantage of this, forcing undocumented immigrants into dangerous and back-breaking work. With no documentation, little knowledge of the American legal system, and often limited English language skills, these workers have virtually no recourse but to accept these positions.

Any attempt to successfully address this problem and protect these hard-working individuals must start with an amnesty program. When they are granted legal status immigrants can stop living in the shadows of American society. They will become more visible, more organized and less exploitable.