Minimum wage was never meant to be a living wage. If you’re only getting minimum wage it means you’re in an entry-level job requiring minimal skills and you can be easily replaced. When the minimum wage goes high enough you’ll be replaced by a robot.

Depends if they have legal status to remain in the country after their sentence. If they don’t, they should be deported.

Your parents must be so proud

Working as a cashier at MacDonalds isn’t supposed to be a career. But if that’s the best job you can get, you can still afford rent, groceries and basic bills by renting out a room or having roommates. No you won’t be able to afford buy a house. It’s an entry-level job