US Businesses Warn on Trump’s Deportation Plan
U.S. businesses are expressing significant concern over President-elect Donald Trump's proposed mass deportation plans, fearing substantial labor shortages and economic disruptions across various industries. Sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, construction, and healthcare heavily rely on immigrant workers, many of whom are undocumented. The potential removal of these workers could lead to operational challenges and increased costs.
In the agricultural sector, farmers warn that deporting undocumented workers would severely impact food production. Manuel Cunha Jr., president of the Nisei Farmers League in California, stated, "You wouldn't eat... The country will stop, literally stop because the food system won't move."
The restaurant industry also anticipates challenges. Sam Sánchez, a restaurateur, noted that mass deportations could lead to increased labor costs and potential closures of establishments unable to find replacement workers.
Economists predict that such deportations could shrink the U.S. GDP by $1.1 trillion to $1.7 trillion over a decade. The American Immigration Council estimates that deporting millions of immigrants would cost the federal government approximately $967.9 billion over ten years.
Business leaders are urging the incoming administration to consider the economic implications of mass deportations and to pursue balanced immigration reforms that address security concerns while preserving essential labor resources. They advocate for policies that provide pathways to legal status for undocumented workers, ensuring stability in the workforce and continuity in critical industries.
