Long term low income earners and housing

Phil Greenspun write about the impact of immigration on minimal wages in the US.

There are plenty of people from poor countries who think that working 60-70 hours per week for $7.50/hour is acceptable, especially if there are opportunities for their children to do better. As long as the immigrants are streaming into the U.S. it seems unlikely that wages for the unskilled will rise.

He also offers some practical views on the long term implications, and how to tackle the problems:

With wages for low-skill workers set according to wages in India and China the living styles of many unskilled workers in America will have to be more like those in India and China.

Low-wage workers in America won't be able to afford housing constructed with currently prevailing methods.

If the Chinese can make a sleeping van for $10,000 (new) a low-wage worker could have transportation and minimal shelter at the same time.