Democracy Dies in Darkness
Economy

Trump’s immigration plans could deal a major blow to the job market

Immigration is a big reason the employment picture rebounded so strongly from the pandemic. That could be in jeopardy, economists say.

By
May 20, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. EDT
Republican presidential candidate and former president Donald Trump speaks about immigration during a campaign rally April 2 in Green Bay, Wis. (Joshua Lott/The Washington Post)
10 min
close

Key takeaways

Summarized by AI, reviewed by humans.

  • Economists warn of higher unemployment, slower growth with strict immigration restrictions.
  • Key industries such as construction, food service, agriculture would face upheaval.
  • Policies could exacerbate inflation, despite job market boom post-pandemic.

Did our AI help? Share your thoughts.

As Donald Trump touts increasingly aggressive plans to crack down on illegal immigration, economists are wary that his proposals would deal a massive blow to the U.S. job market, which has stayed strong thanks in part to foreign-born workers.

Trump has made strict immigration restrictions — including mass deportations, detention camps and an expanded border wall — core to his promise of a stronger U.S. economy, arguing that immigrant workers reduce wages for everyone and take jobs from native-born Americans. Those proposals lack specificity and detail, so it’s difficult to know exactly how he would carry out his plans.