Let's not kid ourselves about just how cheap offshore labor really is. We not only pay substantially less per hour: we also avoid the costs we would incur if these workers immigrated here. We don't pay for their medical expenses when they show up in the emergency room without insurance.

In this quote, Edward Conard is addressing the economic benefits and ethical implications of offshore labor. He argues that companies use offshore workers not only because they are paid substantially less per hour but also to avoid the additional costs that would be incurred if those workers were brought to the United States. Conard points out that the cheapness of offshore labor is more than just a reduction in wages; it also eliminates other financial burdens, such as the medical expenses that would arise if these workers immigrated to the U.S.

By mentioning emergency room visits without insurance, Conard highlights the significant costs that the U.S. healthcare system would bear if these offshore workers were living and working in the country. He suggests that by outsourcing labor to countries with lower wages and fewer regulatory requirements, businesses are able to sidestep the financial responsibilities they would face if those same workers were under the U.S. healthcare system.

Conard’s statement also touches on the economic advantage that outsourcing provides to companies, allowing them to cut costs on both wages and healthcare while avoiding the need to provide benefits such as insurance or social services. The practice of outsourcing helps reduce operational expenses for corporations but also raises questions about the long-term impact on domestic workers and the broader economy.

Ultimately, the quote reflects Conard's perspective on the hidden costs of offshore labor. While it offers financial advantages to corporations, it also sheds light on the broader societal costs that are externalized, particularly in terms of healthcare. His comment suggests that the true price of offshore labor is not just in wages, but in the avoided costs of providing essential services like healthcare to a workforce.