A rational reason to focus on the foreign aspect is that we have immigration controls that disadvantage foreigners. These controls distort the market at the exp

A rational reason to focus on the foreign aspect is that we have immigration controls that disadvantage foreigners. These controls distort the market at the expense of laborers more generally. Immigration controls worsen the bargaining positions of foreign workers relative to Americans; this is an opportunity for employers. Employers then exploit their advantage by preferring to hire foreigners; this extends the disadvantage of foreigners to Americans.