President Trump has proposed a “whole of government” effort to remove up to 20 million people, with mass deportations as a central part of his housing pitch. However, the details and feasibility of this plan are unclear, and experts doubt its effectiveness. Homebuilders in the industry also express skepticism and doubt Trump’s ability to deliver on his promise due to potential labor shortages. Trump’s history of floating outlandish ideas has led some to question the seriousness of his deportation proposal.
Despite criticism, Trump has implemented controversial immigration policies, such as diverting Pentagon funds to build a border wall and separating migrant children from their parents. His deportation pitch has included racist rhetoric and fearmongering, but recent polling shows support for removing undocumented immigrants. The National Association of Home Builders has expressed concerns about the deportation proposal and is focused on advocating for policy reforms that benefit builders.
Foreign-born construction workers play a significant role in the housing market and keep building costs low in certain metro areas. Mass deportations would be disruptive and have a negative impact on the construction industry, as many workers would likely flee ahead of any deportation efforts. Past examples from states like Florida and Arizona show that aggressive immigration policies can destabilize the workforce and lead to labor shortages.
Overall, the construction industry relies heavily on immigrant labor, and disrupting this workforce could devastate companies, the industry, and the economy. Experts emphasize the need for a serious conversation on immigration policy and reform, highlighting the importance of finding solutions that benefit both builders and the broader community.
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