Looking at it again with fresher eyes, Carpenter was implying that the aliens were exploiting the earth like imperialists do in third-world countries. While not overtly leftist i.e. people aren't talking theory and such, the film oozes working class sentiment and is super cynical and punched at Reagan and capitalism.
Everyone should watch it!
I have so much respect for Carpenter. He's like a dying breed of blue collar film makers. I hold him in regards with the likes of George Romero. Just such a shame They Live got warped by chuds, we need to take it back.
I guess that’s all you can do with satire because the chuds will always claim it as good and cool for the wrong reasons.