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I would say that it is the folks who pretend to themselves that they are kind, compassionate and good who want to stick kids in low paying jobs. Anyone who doesn’t consider the culture and language issues is not interested in the needs of the immigrants, they are either interested in making themselves feel good or they are interested in landscaping or household help. Those of us who work with immigrants on a daily basis know that it’s not as simple as “let them come” because there are people and communities left behind, stripped of their most ambitious citizens. Don’t forget the dirty little secret of how many immigrants don’t want to be here at all, but are forced by the very powerful influences of the elites in their countries who want remittances, employers here who want cheap labor, and the feel-good industry that needs more bodies. There’s also the issue of helping them move forward here, if that’s where they are. It’s a very, very hard thing that often involves a two-step forward, one-step back process over the course of years, often without very much to show for the work and sacrifice. Putting immigrant kids, particularly the growing group of non-English/non-Spanish speakers, into high paying, skilled jobs is as tough as anything that can possibly be done. Bringng them up to the level of educational achievement of white, Asian, African, black, and even other hispanic immigrant groups isn’t really possible within a couple of generations. Pretending otherwise helps no one.</p>