Immigrants and Accidents
Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 360
Tags: Accidents,
Immigrants,
Illegal Immigrants,
undocumented immigrants,
undocumented workers,
american companies,
Birmingham,
Alabama,
Bessemer,
Tuscaloosa,
Jasper We all know there is a great debate going on in this country over illegal, or undocumented, immigrants. There are numerous problems with this situation:
1. Healthcare
2. Taxes
3. Access to social programs
4. Wages
5. jobs
6. Childcare
However, notwithstanding the above, there are undocumented immigrants in this country. In fact, there are a LOT of undocumented immigrants in this country. So, how do we handle this situation? Do we kick them out? How do we find them? How do we prevent them from coming into the country? What do we do about their children who were born in this country and are legal U.S. citizens? These are VERY difficult questions.
Another issue which I didn't list above is the issue of accidents and insurance. Many undocumented immigrants do not have insurance, and yet, they are driving on our public roadways. However, this is not uncommon with U.S. citizens either. We don't punish U.S. citizens for driving while uninsured (although there is an Alabama law requiring insurance, it is not enforced properly) so should we punish undocumented immigrants?
What about when the illegal immigrant is injured or killed in this country? Are they entitled to compensation? American companies hire many of these immigrants with knowledge of their illegal status, but they know they can get cheap labor this way and avoid many payroll taxes. Who is at fault here? Does it matter that they are undocumented when it comes to injury or death? Aren't they human beings? Are their lives worth less because they aren't from our country?
I would argue that the answer is no, but I'm obviously biased. What are your thoughts on this issue?