Nearly every study shows that competition from cheap foreign labor undercuts the wages of American workers and legal immigrants.

In this quote, Lamar S. Smith, a former U.S. Congressman, argues that competition from cheap foreign labor is a significant factor in driving down the wages of American workers and legal immigrants. Smith suggests that when businesses hire workers from countries with lower labor costs, it puts pressure on domestic workers to accept lower wages, thereby affecting the labor market in the United States. The core of his argument is that the influx of foreign labor can harm the financial well-being of native-born workers and legal immigrants who are already part of the U.S. workforce.

Smith's comment reflects concerns about immigration and its impact on the U.S. economy, particularly regarding low-wage sectors. He points to studies that suggest that the availability of cheaper foreign workers often results in fewer opportunities for higher wages and better working conditions for those already employed in those industries. His statement highlights a supply-and-demand issue in the labor market, where an increased supply of workers can drive wages down, especially for jobs that require fewer qualifications.

The origin of this quote lies in Smith's political stance on immigration reform and his opposition to unrestricted immigration. Throughout his career, Smith was a vocal advocate for limiting illegal immigration and restricting the flow of foreign workers into the U.S. labor market. His concern about the impact of foreign labor on American wages was a key part of his platform, reflecting broader debates about how to balance immigration policy with economic protectionism.

Ultimately, Smith’s quote serves as a critique of the effects that foreign labor can have on the U.S. economy, particularly for working-class Americans and legal immigrants. It underscores a larger debate about the trade-offs between the economic benefits of cheap labor and the potential harm to domestic workers' wages and job security. His stance advocates for policies that prioritize the economic interests of American workers in the face of global labor competition.