[continue]
Yes, we are creating jobs. But where are they? In what area of the economy do we see the growth of jobs? The Pew Hispanic Center issued a report indicating that 3 out of 10 new jobs went to noncitizens. Why to noncitizens? Because they earn lower wages. Roberto Suro, director of the center, said:
"The turnaround is being fueled to a substantial extent by the demand for immigrant labor. And as a result, a substantial chunk of the new jobs are going to people who are not voters."
In other words, there is nothing here for the Republicans to celebrate.
As a matter of fact the wages of Latinos have gone down. Median weekly earnings dropped from $402 in the first quarter of 2003 to $395 the first quarter of this year, after adjusting for inflation.
Where are the jobs? The growth of jobs is occurring in the low wage sectors, not in the manufacturing sector that is languishing. People who work for a living are seeing an erosion of earnings. This will continue as long as we live under an administration that boosts big business, capital and money at the expense of working people.
Republicans and Democrats have a big disagreement about the purpose of an economy. Republicans are eager for an "efficient" economy that serves business. The Democrats want an economy that provides decent income for those who work. Under Republicans, the economy will not improve for workers, regardles of what the employment statistics say. We need a Democratic administration to boost the life of the working person. We need John Kerry.
