Many citizens would be glad for jobs ‘no one wants’

I have been following the articles written regarding the illegal immigration problems in Freehold. I have to say that what bothers me the most is reading about how we should "thank" the illegals for our pretty lawns and the vegetables on our tables.

It is said that these workers take jobs that no one else would want. That is simply not true. The blame for this situation should lie not with the illegals, but with the contractors and businesses who would rather hire day labor and skip all the paperwork required for hiring employees.

Let’s face it, the more illegals the landscapers can hire, the more houses they can do and the more money the company can make. I know from personal experience that not all young people are college material. Many would love the opportunity to perform landscaping work or learn something about the construction trade.

Where does a young person, willing to work just as hard as the illegals do, go to find such a job? How about the high school student looking to earn extra money? Or the person who just lost his job and needs to feed himself and his family? Or the individual who just loves working with his hands?

With the economy the way it is today, many would be surprised to learn just how many American citizens would be willing to work at these so-called jobs no one else wants.

I do not fault the illegals at all. If I were in their situation, I am sure I would be willing to do anything I could to escape the hardship of my native country. But that is an immigration problem. In the meantime, let’s not forget about the homeless, the jobless, the struggling citizens of this country who need jobs and the businesses who prefer the illegal day labor. Although this appears to be a very affluent area of Monmouth County, there are many people who are struggling and a $7 an hour job, while laughable to some, would be a blessing to others.

Diane Guthlein

Manalapan