A new calculator created by the Economic Policy Institute reveals that Wyoming's share of the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign would cost $531 million. This amount could be used to add nearly 2,100 teachers, 2,300 firefighters, and 1,600 nurses to the state's workforce. The calculator highlights the potential trade-offs between deportation efforts and funding for essential public services. The Economic Policy Institute is a nonpartisan think tank that provides analysis on economic issues.
The national price tag for mass deportations is estimated to be $268 billion, a figure that could cover the cost of medical care for 5 million veterans and fund various other programs that are priorities for many American voters. According to Ben Zipperer, senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, this amount could also provide health insurance for nearly 12 million people or fund nearly 10 million public housing units. Zipperer's analysis suggests that mass deportations may not be the most effective or efficient use of resources.
Defenders of mass deportation argue that it opens up more jobs to U.S.-born workers and removes violent criminals. However, data from the Cato Institute shows that 93% of people arrested by ICE had no violent criminal convictions. Zipperer contends that mass deportations have reduced employment opportunities for everyone and increased costs. He points out that unemployment rates for U.S.-born workers are now higher than they were before 2024.
The construction industry is one area where mass deportations have had a significant impact. Deporting immigrant roofers and framers, for example, delays housing construction and reduces work for U.S.-born electricians and plumbers. According to Zipperer, the cost of building homes during Trump's presidency has increased almost twice as fast in states that are most reliant on immigrants. This is because construction permits have been falling the most in these states.
The caregiving sector is also expected to face challenges due to mass deportations. At least 30% of workers who care for seniors and people with disabilities are immigrants, according to Haeyoung Yoon, vice president of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. Yoon argues that immigrant workers play a crucial role in providing care for elderly individuals, and that their absence would create a significant gap in the care workforce.
The Economic Policy Institute's calculator is part of a broader effort to highlight the potential consequences of mass deportations. Zipperer and others argue that the focus on deportation efforts has come at the expense of other priorities, such as funding for education, healthcare, and infrastructure. As policymakers consider the issue of immigration, they will need to weigh the potential costs and benefits of different approaches.
The issue of mass deportations is likely to remain a contentious topic in the coming years. While some argue that it is necessary to secure the nation's borders and remove violent criminals, others contend that it has significant economic and social costs. As the debate continues, policymakers will need to consider the evidence and make informed decisions about how to allocate resources effectively.
Key points
- Mass deportations could cost Wyoming $531 million, which could be used to fund essential public services.
- The national price tag for mass deportations is estimated to be $268 billion.
- Mass deportations have reduced employment opportunities and increased costs for U.S.-born workers.
