The most vocal opponents of immigration reform say it"s not just the fear of 21 jobs to foreign workers that 22 their cause, but also a genuine concern for the welfare of immigrants who are 23 to be exploited by employers who want 24 labor to pad their bottom line. It"s a concern that pro-immigration advocates say they share—and that a new controversy 25 foreign student labor at McDonald"s has 26 the spotlight.
McDonald"s is under 27 for allegedly exploiting foreign students whom the company brought to the United States on three-month J-1 visas, which are 28 to foster cross-cultural exchanges for international youth to 29 life in this country. The Wall Street Journal reports that 15 foreign students brought over on the program filed 30 with the State and Labor departments that alleged various worker abuses. The students allege that they were paid less than the 31 wage, lived in substandard housing, and were threatened 32 termination or deportation 33 they voiced concerns.
Immigration reform"s opponents believe such cases are proof 34 employers just want more workers they can force to labor under substandard conditions. 35 the controversy at McDonald"s, foreign student workers under the same J-1 program recently 36 a Hershey"s plant for exploitation. The 37 is a deep concern for labor unions who 38 immigration as well. That said, many immigration advocates argue that temporary-worker programs can still be 39 — but only if they"re 40 to adequate government oversight and regulation.