Originally Posted by SamHouston
Sorry, you didn't mention that your point was simply semantics. Disenfranchised is an apt description in any case. Undocumented workers do not have the same protections under law that other workers have, are often coerced illegally by employers and others, often with threats of deportation should any of them try to correct wrongs done to them, yet they make the same contribution any other worker in the US does. Most earn below the poverty line and would not be required to pay taxes even if they were documented. (Not directed at you grasscircle, just knocking down the 1st rebuttal, a common one "They don't pay taxes")
Saying the are disenfranchised is disingenuous, all of the above problems are a direct result of their violating visa laws. They are able to be exploited by employers because they are breaking the law and employers are able to blackmail them into accepting poor working conditions with this knowledge. Yes this sucks but short of completely abandoning all visa regulation I see no way to avoid it. There will always be illegal immigrants and they will always be ripe for exploitation.