Craig you really need to spend more time in the USA if you really believe that. I'm writing this as someone who has lived in Alberta and New Jersey.

You need to realize when something is a private entity its only goal is making money. That is the only thing these companies care about. They have employees with the job of finding reasons to deny people.

Also whether you believe it or not the American system is significantly more expensive. A simple wiki/google/anything shows this much better then I ever could.

The last benefit is one that most people never see. In the USA companies cover 2/3 the cost of medical insurance. This causes a difference in actual pay vs what an employer pays. If I'm paying you 500 a month I also have to pay another 100 month on top for your health care. This causes employers to look to hire undocumented workers that they don't have to pay this medical fee for.

I'm sure you know about theese:

http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/archive/top100/

if not, enjoy!