While it is true that many in this country do not like "real work" (physically demanding work) for relatively low wages, I have done it, my wife does it still, and our daughter did it for a while in the summer (like those in this story).   The program is being abused IF its intent is ("cultural exchange"), as is a program supposedly limited to diplomatic servants which has in fact workers in Anchorage hotels.   At least some employers use these programs in lieu of honoring contracts with employees (see the Anchorage Hilton, which isn't owned by Hilton any more) as a mechanism to keep costs down OUTSIDE the nominal rules.  The current minimum wage movement is the very opposite - an attempt to impose costs on business ABOVE what is possible in some industries on a sustainable basis.  We should not distort the market by either importing cheap labor or by overpaying low end jobs.  A minimum wage is a reasonable tool ONLY IF it is kept at a reasonable level.