According to Ralph Nader, people would stop immigrating to the U.S. if economic desperation and political repression ended within their home countries. Therefore, the first step is to "stop supporting oligarchs, dictatorships, authoritarian regimes that drive people to leave." He called the idea of open borders "a totally absurd proposition" because it would negatively impact the economy. Instead, he believes in decriminalizing the border and allowing work permits for short periods of time.
He believes guest worker programs are beneficial because they hinder exploitation of farm workers. Nader believes all farm labor, both American or illegal immigrants, should fall under the Fair Labor Standards Act--which calls for a national minimum wage, guarantees time-and-a-half for overtime in certain jobs and prohibits most employment of minors in "oppressive child labor."
YouTube video: Nader discusses his stance on Immigration
Nader speaks to glassbooth.org about a variety of immigration issues.
— Las Vegas Sun new media intern April Corbin compiled this report.
