Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett has stirred up a conversation about immigration, work, and American society. Speaking at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival on March 8, she highlighted a tough reality—many jobs in agriculture, hospitality, and construction rely on undocumented workers because most Americans, especially those with college degrees, aren’t willing to do them.
In a now-viral video, Crockett posed a straightforward question to the audience: “How many of you are sending your kids to college so they can work on farms?”
The silence in response made her point clear. She emphasized that while people want affordable food, housing, and hotel services, they don’t necessarily want their own children working in those industries—jobs that are often filled by undocumented workers.
The Debate on Who Does the Tough Jobs
Crockett’s remarks come at a time when immigration policy remains a heated debate. She pointed out that America’s economy depends on labor-intensive jobs, and undocumented immigrants are the ones filling the gap.
“So the reality is, as long as we live in a capitalistic society, there’s always going to be work that some of y’all don’t want to do,” she stated.
Her comments align with similar arguments made by other politicians, like Rep. Jerry Nadler, who previously said that without immigrant labor, crops would go unharvested.
The discussion raises a complex question: If Americans aren’t willing to take on these jobs, should immigration policies be adjusted to support the workforce that does?
A Different Perspective on Immigration Contributions
Beyond just filling jobs, Crockett also addressed a common misconception—that undocumented immigrants are a drain on the system. She highlighted that while they pay taxes, they don’t have access to benefits like Social Security, challenging the narrative that they’re an economic burden. “These are the people who are really making us great in this country,” she argued.
With immigration enforcement debates heating up, Crockett’s stance stands in direct contrast to policies aiming to crack down on undocumented workers.
Her remarks are sparking discussions on both sides—some agree that the U.S. economy relies on immigrant labor, while others argue that these jobs should go to legal residents.
The viral clip of Crockett’s speech has already gained over a million views, proving that the conversation around immigration, labor, and economic sustainability isn’t going away anytime soon.
