Deporting the Economy: How Kicking People Out Could Kick Us Where It Hurts

 Mass deportations under a potential second Trump administration could severely impact the U.S. economy, costing at least $315 billion for a one-time removal of 13.3 million people and $88 billion annually for ongoing deportations. Key industries like agriculture and construction, which heavily rely on undocumented workers, would face labor shortages, disrupting supply chains, increasing prices, and worsening the housing crisis. Hospitality and manufacturing would also suffer significant losses. Additionally, heightened enforcement could drive immigrant workers further underground, making them more vulnerable to exploitation while reducing their contributions to the formal economy, ultimately weakening economic stability and growth.