Complaints of Older Immigrants about Newcomers Taking Under-the-Table Employment

Established immigrants in New York City are expressing their dissatisfaction with the new influx of off-the-books workers who are taking their jobs for lower wages, the New York Post reports.

Since spring, over 116,000 migrants have arrived in the city, leading to housing and other crises. Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, has faced criticism from within his own party for declaring that the city has reached its capacity. However, Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul has also changed her stance, stating that the state can no longer afford to be a sanctuary state.

Long-term immigrants, who have been working for cash for many years, are also unhappy. They told the Post that they are frustrated to see new arrivals being hired for significantly lower pay, while they are left struggling.

“If you can get the work done for a cheaper price, you’re going to hire those guys,” said “Parrow,” an “old timer” tradesman who spoke to the Post. “Why would you pay $200 when you can get it done for $40? They’ll take any offer you give them.”

Oscar Irias, a 38-year-old mason from Honduras, revealed that he can earn $250 a day for his work, but sometimes has to settle for $100.

Another worker mentioned that a hiring manager offered them $50 for a day of pouring concrete.

“I wouldn’t do that for anything less than $300,” the worker told the paper. However, they acknowledged that some of the new arrivals may not be as knowledgeable about fair wages.

“The newcomers don’t know any better, so they accept whatever they can get. But me, I’m not settling for $100 or $150. That’s not right.”