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| All American gal, Debbie Riddle source |
Thought the Civil War ended slavery? Texas Representative and tea party darling Debbie Riddle wants to bring it back! Under a bill she proposed (House Bill 1202), hiring an "unauthorized alien" would constitute a crime punishable by up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine, unless that is, they are hired to do household chores. ¿Qué? Rep. Riddle reportedly wants Texas to institute an immigration law similar to the law in Arizona making it illegal to hire undocumented workers. However, there would be a loophole large enough to drive a truckload of illegal immigrants through for undocumented workers hired to provide maid, caretaker, lawnworker, or houseworker services. So, Texans don't have to fret about being fined for having houseslaves!
Justifying this absurdity, Texas state Representative Aaron Pena stated that it is so common for Texans to have illegal immigrants working in their homes that it is "overlooked." He further explained that if the proposed law were to apply to all undocumented workers, including domestics and yard workers, "a large segment of the Texas population" would end up in prison. Thus, if undocumented workers wish to clean toilets or shovel fertilizer, the good people of Texas are okey dokey with that. After all, Americans don't want those jobs. If, however, they wish to find a skilled job with prospects of decent money or advancement, they can go back to where they came from. Do I have that right, Ms. Riddle?
Make no mistake: the loopholes created for this law are NOT to protect the undocumented workers. They are to protect the upper class who feel entitled to have their housekeepers and yard workers and nannies but not have to pay them decent wages or benefits. It is to the benefit of their employers that these workers remain illegally in the country so that they can be paid less than minimum wage and work under conditions that no legally hired worker could be subjected to. Because they fear deportation, they have no avenue for complaint if they are not paid or are abused. It's Gone With the Wind, Texas style. ¡Bienvenidos a Tara!
