re: #180 tradewind

Never because of their superior work?
Because where I live, the most talented masons who do the best work are, unfortunately, illegals.
But they are in great demand not only because they work cheaply, because in this case, not so much. They’re just the best at what they do.

I’ll say this, as a Texan - the highly skilled tradesmen with so-so English skills who prefer cash payment and great discretion also tend to be highly skilled. And yeah, I’ve noticed it mostly with the masonry trades.