In recent Congressional hearings it came out that many H1-B visa holders in technology are being paid substantially less than the prevailing rates for their positions and experience—in some cases as much as half. That's a specific violation of the conditions of H1-B and doesn't suggest “jobs Americans won't do” (or are prepared for) so much as “jobs Americans won't do for the offered wage”.

That's the logical, economically-sound analysis of the issue. It also corresponds to my own observation: in Chicago there's a long waiting list for garbage-collectors. Who can imagine a less pleasant job? But the pay is very, very good and people are eager to take it.

Yep, that's the case with illegals as well. There are no jobs Americans won't do; it's all a question of how much they'll do it for. I read somewhere recently that low-skilled jobs would be paying about eight percent more if it weren't for immigrants depressing the market.

I don't have a problem with foreigners coming here for jobs - even if it's for less pay. That's a free market at work. Anything else is protectionism - and that leads to other problems.

My problem is assimilation. If you come to America to partake of its financial blessings, then participate in the whole package: learn to speak English, work to blend cultures, not to separate them. Fly the Mexican flag in honor, but not above an American flag.

The root cause of all this is the great disparity between the US economy and the Mexican economy. There is enough difference that there will always be illegal immigration. What we should really be working towards (with Mexico) is how to better equalize the systems. Right now, though, Mexico has no incentive to do this. They encourage their citizens to come here, get jobs, and send money back. The best "immigration reform" is a stronger Mexican economy, not American citizenship.