Whats with all the foreigners driving taxis?

[BigDaddy44]

Before someone hops on their high horse and accuses me of something, relax and hear me out.

Anyone who has been to any major American city in the last 5-10 years knows that 90%+ of the taxicab drivers are foreign born. I have nothing against them. The vast majority of the one's I've encountered seem like hard working Joe's (I don't recall seeing any Josephines :) )

My problem is....we have widespread unemployment here. Taxi driving can pay a decent wage, and this certainly seems like the type of job that could be filled relatively easily with, shall we say, "home grown" talent. With the population and employment issues we have here, why are we letting people immigrate who only have the skills to be taxi drivers?

I am pro immigration (as the son of a foreigner), but until we get our own economic house in order, it seems to me we shouldn't be allowing low-skilled individuals to immigrate and suck up jobs in an ever-dwindling job pool. (And yes, I'm aware that some of these folks are highly skilled individuals who can't get jobs in their trained field. Which again brings the point, why are they allowed to immigrate?)

Once we turn things around, by all means, lets read and follow the tablets on the Statue of Liberty. But until then, I think we should cool it a bit.

[Robbien]

1. Cab drivers have historically been an entry job

Not just for the last five to ten years as you state, but for almost as long as this country has had taxis.

If you want to lower the level of immigrants coming into this country, then look to the employers who advertise in foreign countries for workers. Look to those self same employers who increasingly use H-1 visas instead of hiring Americans.

It starts with the profit seeking employers.

[Dissent Is Patriotic]

2. Not sure if you've travelled much outside the U.S.,

but this is a world-wide phenomenon.

[blondeatlast]

3. Thanks--I was anout to post the same thing.

Bet the OP won't respond to it though.

[BigDaddy44]

5. Why won't I respond?

Yes, I have travelled overseas quite extensively. And I have noticed it. But I wasn't talking about other countries.

[blondeatlast]

7. So why does the phenomenon only merit your mention when it occurs in the US?

It just seems a curious question coming form someone who is aware that it's rather common worldwide. :shrug:

[rucky]

4. It's a turnkey business...

Buy a car (you pretty much need one, anyways) - it becomes your business. Drive around, make money - grow your business. Maintain your car and pay it off - and you have equity.

[NightWatcher]

6. ever drive a cab? it's not a money making plan, I sould know

having done it in the past and getting my hack license again Monday. it is about the equivalent of waiting tables at Applebees. Good ones can make 200$ a day after expenses if you bust your ass.