The AFL-CIO's Latest Membership Drive

By FAIR's Kristen Williamson

As usual, Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, totally misses the mark on the effects of illegal immigration on the American Worker. In an editorial for The Hill, Trumka says that "working people - immigrant and native-born alike - are under fierce attack by corporate-backed politicians." He must be living in a different world than unemployed American Workers. They see big business and politicians trying to promote amnesty for illegal aliens so that they do not have to pay Americans living wages to do the same jobs illegal aliens will do for less.

Trumka also takes the opportunity to blast important immigration enforcement programs. Despite saying that immigrants advocate for safer neighborhoods, the labor leader criticizes the Secure Communities program - which leads to the identification and deportation of criminal aliens. Like other amnesty advocates in recent weeks, Trumka chooses to ignore the efficacy of this program at identifying law-breakers - whether they are guilty of a criminal infraction or "merely" being in the country illegally.

There are almost too many unbelievable statements in this piece to tackle. However, even more outrageous than Trumka saying Arizona laws "mandate racial profiling" is his call to action for President Obama. In the absence of congressional action on comprehensive amnesty for illegal aliens, Trumka wants Obama to join in on the law-breaking. Apparently Obama should direct ICE to stay out of workplaces where "workers have fought to improve conditions" and illegal aliens are not being exploited. Never mind that employing illegal aliens is against the law and the use of illegal workers displaces American Workers - like AFL-CIO members.

So watch out this Sunday. Traditional May Day labor marches are being transformed into amnesty rallies so the AFL-CIO can collect some donations and more dues in the future.