Donald Trump’s proposal to remove up to 20 million people through mass deportations as part of his housing pitch has been met with skepticism. The Republican nominee claims this move would free up homes for U.S. citizens and lower prices, but experts doubt the feasibility and cost of such a plan. Homebuilders in the industry also question Trump’s ability to deliver on this promise, citing difficulties in finding enough workers to frame houses if mass deportations were to occur.
While Trump has a history of proposing radical policies without serious pursuit, his administration has taken action on controversial immigration measures such as building a border wall and separating families at the border. Trump’s emphasis on deportation on the campaign trail has included racist rhetoric, drawing criticism and accusations of fearmongering.
Industry stakeholders like the National Association of Home Builders have voiced concerns about the deportation proposal and are calling for a serious conversation about immigration policy and reform. Evidence suggests that foreign-born construction workers help keep housing costs down, and an exodus of these workers due to mass deportations could have a significant impact on the industry.
Past examples of stringent state immigration policies, such as those in Florida and Arizona, have shown that enforcement efforts can lead to a labor shortage in the construction industry. Some workers fled the state in anticipation of crackdowns, causing disruptions in construction projects. While Trump’s deportation proposal has support among some, many in the industry stress the importance of finding a balanced approach to immigration policy that addresses both economic and humanitarian concerns.
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