President Trump has proposed a “whole of government” effort to remove up to 20 million people, surpassing the current undocumented population, in order to free up homes for U.S. citizens and lower prices. However, the feasibility and costs of such mass deportations have been questioned by economists and industry experts. Trump’s history of floating outlandish ideas without serious pursuit has left industry colleagues skeptical of his deportation plans.
While Trump has emphasized his deportation pitch on the campaign trail, some in the industry believe it is political fearmongering. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has expressed concerns about the proposal and is advocating for reforms that would allow for legal ways for undocumented individuals to work in construction.
Evidence suggests that foreign-born construction workers help keep housing costs in check, and a significant blow from mass deportations could disrupt the industry and cause a shortage of workers. Many undocumented workers would likely flee ahead of a national deportation effort, further exacerbating the labor shortage in construction.
States like Florida and Arizona have previously enacted tough immigration restrictions, leading to destabilization and an exodus of immigrant workers. Ultimately, the construction industry relies heavily on immigrant labor, and the debate surrounding immigration policy and reform is crucial for the future of the industry. While some industry executives have differing political allegiances, many agree that immigration policies greatly impact their businesses and should be a priority for policymakers.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com