Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has pledged to carry out the largest deportation event in U.S. history if elected, fueled by the belief that immigrants are taking away “Black jobs” and “Hispanic jobs.” However, government data reveals that immigrant labor contributes to economic growth and creates opportunities for native-born workers. Economists caution that a mass deportation effort could cost taxpayers up to a trillion dollars and lead to a surge in the cost of living.
Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric, targeting “Black jobs” and “Hispanic jobs,” has sparked criticism from Democrats and Black leaders. Despite claims that immigrants are stealing jobs from Americans, economists argue that immigrant labor often fills positions that U.S. workers are not interested in, such as agriculture and food processing roles.
Experts emphasize that immigrants actually enhance the economy by fostering growth and innovation, debunking the myth that they are displacing native workers. They point out that a shortage of labor in certain sectors necessitates immigrant workers to sustain industries and prevent job automation.
In the face of potential mass deportations, concerns over economic repercussions have escalated. Experts predict catastrophic losses to the U.S. economy, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasizing the positive impact of immigrant labor on economic growth.