President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants in his second term are causing concern for Texas’ business and economic sectors, particularly the construction industry. Stan Marek, CEO of a Houston-based construction company, believes that mass deportations could devastate the industry, leading to unfinished projects and a significant loss of labor.
Texas cities are experiencing rapid growth, with construction being a major driver of the economy. However, the reliance on undocumented labor in the construction industry is a well-known fact, with over half a million immigrants working in construction in 2022, and nearly 60% of them being undocumented.
Economist Ray Perryman emphasizes the importance of immigrant labor in Texas, stating that the state’s workforce is not large enough to keep up with its growth. He worries that a massive roundup of undocumented workers could have severe consequences for the state’s economy, as there are more undocumented workers in Texas than there are unemployed individuals.
Trump’s administration is moving forward with plans for mass deportations, with key figures like Tom Homan and Stephen Miller supporting these efforts. Undocumented workers like Veronica Carrasco are preparing for the potential impact of these policies, fearing separation from their families and uncertainty about their futures.
As Trump’s agenda unfolds, there is hope that the administration may scale back its plans, according to economist Perryman. The threat of mass deportations could also push Congress to enact meaningful immigration laws, potentially introducing a guest-worker program similar to DACA.
Despite the looming threat of mass deportations, there is also an opportunity for Congress to address immigration reform and find solutions that benefit both the economy and immigrant workers. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has expressed readiness to assist the Trump administration’s efforts, emphasizing the state’s willingness to support immigration enforcement.
Overall, the impact of Trump’s deportation policies on the Texas construction sector is significant, with concerns about labor shortages, project delays, and economic repercussions. As the administration moves forward with its plans, the future remains uncertain for undocumented workers and the industries that rely on their labor.
