Trump admin’s plan for mass deportation is a recipe for social, economic turmoil

Our immigration system is broken. We have real challenges that require smart solutions. That means that we must act smartly, not based on disinformation, polarization, and fear.

The Trump administration is moving rapidly to fulfill campaign promises, including the mass deportation of immigrants. Mass deportation is a recipe for social and economic turmoil. Not only does it tear families apart, but it also destabilizes communities by disrupting the housing market and other major industries such as construction, agriculture, and service sectors and removing millions of consumer dollars from our economy.

Some people don’t care about facts and numbers. But it’s worth considering that undocumented immigrants in the U.S. contribute billions of dollars per year in federal taxes, state and local taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. According to Cincinnati Compass, immigrants of all statuses greatly impact our region’s economy. They contribute $320 million to Social Security and Medicare; have household incomes of $4.1 billion and $2.9 billion in spending power; and pay $385 million in state and income taxes. Almost seven percent of Cincinnati’s population is foreign-born. A majority are here legally.  Most are just seeking better lives for themselves and their families.