The desire to keep jobs in America and control immigration is a common sentiment. However, our purchasing habits often contradict these desires. We seek the lowest prices, readily buying goods labeled “Made in China” or “Assembled in Mexico.” While we could prioritize American-made products, the higher cost deters many.
To attract American workers to jobs often filled by immigrants, wages would need to increase significantly. Paying a living wage for roles such as restaurant staff, hotel housekeeping, farm laborers, and fast food employees would raise the cost of goods and services, potentially requiring us to sacrifice certain comforts.
Companies prioritize profitability to remain competitive, adjusting prices based on production costs. While this may seem uncharitable, it is fundamental economics.
Blaming employers for outsourcing jobs is easy, but it’s more challenging to acknowledge that our consumption habits drive these decisions. Our demand for low prices fuels the offshoring of jobs and the pressure to minimize labor costs.