On his MSNBC show yesterday, Ed Schultz came out against Barack Obama issuing an Executive Order that would in effect legalize millions of illegal aliens. Video below [1].

Most of Schultz' concern about the issue is political: he correctly realizes how it would harm the chances of Democrat candidates. And, Schultz still supports some form of comprehensive immigration reform.

However, at least part of Schultz' objection is due to the impact that a mass legalization would have on American workers:

Hold the phone - this would be a mistake if the president were to do this... Politically, there is no way Democrats can go home and campaign on across-the-board amnesty for millions of undocumented workers - I don't think that's a political winner for the Democrats.

I think handing out permits for workers to compete against legal workers in America is a bad idea. I don't think the American people would float that at all...

...The Brits don't just hand out work permits; the Germans don't do it; I can tell you the Canadians don't do it; the Japanese don't do it... Tell me: Who around this globe just hands out work permits to people to try to solve a problem of immigration? They don't do that.

Some might claim that those who were legalized wouldn't compete with American workers. That claim is false for some or many who'd be legalized. For instance, someone who's here illegally and - due to their immigration status - is forced to work as a housekeeper at a small motel would be able to use her work permit to compete for any other job she's qualified for, such as cashiering at WalMart. That's good for her and good for WalMart, but very bad for Americans working as WalMart cashiers or who want to apply. Generally speaking, more workers means lower wages. Obama's Executive Order would provide would help WalMart lower wages because there would be more people competing for WalMart jobs. See immigration wage floor for more.

Highlight Schultz' argument to any liberals that support Obama's executive action. Schultz can figure out how mass legalization would be bad news for American workers, point that out to them. And, even if you otherwise oppose Schultz, back him up against those who'll smear him over his opposition to Obama's Executive Order.

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[1] Video and part of the transcript via peekURL.com/z2y22wN