"Stopping illegal immigration would mean that wages would have to rise to a level where Americans would want the jobs currently taken by illegal aliens"

Thomas Sowell’s statement draws attention to a significant economic dynamic within the labor market. When undocumented immigrants are employed in low-wage positions, the supply of labor for these jobs increases, enabling employers to offer lower wages than they might if they relied only on citizens or legal residents. The presence of a workforce willing to accept lower compensation exerts downward pressure on wages, particularly in sectors requiring minimal skills, experience, or formal education—such as agriculture, hospitality, and certain service industries.

If laws against illegal immigration were strictly enforced and the availability of undocumented laborers significantly reduced, employers would have to compete for workers from the legal resident population. Since fewer people might find these jobs attractive at existing wage rates—either because of the physical demands, lack of prestige, or poor working conditions—employers would need to raise wages and improve job conditions to attract and retain employees. Higher compensation makes these jobs more appealing to U.S. citizens and legal immigrants, effectively shifting the labor pool toward those with a legal right to work.

This change could have broader economic repercussions. Businesses might pass increased labor costs onto consumers through higher prices, or they may invest in automation and efficiency improvements to offset cost increases. Meanwhile, higher pay in low-skill sectors might reduce wage inequality but could also disrupt business models reliant on inexpensive labor.

Sowell’s perspective also spotlights the often-contentious balance between humanitarian compassion for undocumented immigrants and the protection of citizens’ economic interests. The issue is complex: undocumented workers frequently fill roles that are critical yet unattractive to many citizens, yet their presence can suppress wage growth. Restricting illegal immigration brings to the fore questions about the kind of labor market and wage floor society wishes to maintain, revealing the trade-offs between economic efficiency, worker welfare, legal enforcement, and social cohesion.