A few of our stories and columns are now in front of the paywall. We at The Chief-Leader remain committed to independent reporting on labor and civil service. It's been our mission since 1897. You can have a hand in ensuring that our reporting remains relevant in the decades to come. Consider supporting The Chief, which you can do for as little as $3.20 a month.
To the editor:
Since Donald Trump took office, debate has centered on the possible financial and social implications of his promised mass deportations. Why speculate? There is a simple way to find out. Two states that voted overwhelmingly for Trump have large undocumented populations, Republican governors and legislatures as well as residents that support mass deportation. Concentrating ICE efforts in these two states would be efficient, cost effective and go a long way towards fulfilling Trump’s promise. It would also provide an excellent real-world test; no need to read tea leaves or gaze into crystal balls.
I am referring to Texas and Florida. In terms of undocumented populations they rank second (1.6 million) and third (1.2 million), respectively, according to the Pew Research Center. However, I highly doubt that either Trump or GOP elected officials in these states care to test this proposition because the economic devastation caused by the loss of a million-plus laborers might change public opinion. Where would that leave Republicans come Election Day without their main issue?
Joseph Cannisi
8 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
JDonne
The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) recently highlighted a significant increase in long-term unauthorized immigration in Texas and Florida, primarily attributed to the chaotic border situation under the Biden administration. These states are bearing a substantial financial burden, with Texas taxpayers annually paying $13.4 billion and Florida taxpayers paying over $8 billion to support undocumented immigrants.
The Trump administration’s deportation policy holds the potential to alleviate these costs and redirect resources more effectively towards “legal residents.” Notably, Texas and Florida are particularly affected by the substantial financial strain of $21.4 billion, which encompasses costs related to housing, medical care, and education for undocumented immigrants.
Thursday, April 10 Report this
reenjoe
JDonne, If what you say is true, which is highly doubtful given that FAIR and its' affiliates Numbers USA and CIS have been cited as untrustworthy sources which spread conspiracy theories and White Nationalist propaganda, then why haven't Abbott and DeSantis begged Trump to concentrate ICE removal efforts in Texas and Florida.
The reason is clear to me. Such a program would leave no one to pick tomatoes in Immokalee, milk cows in Arcadia, slaughter beef in Amarillo, build homes in Houston, clean hotel rooms in Miami and Dallas or operate rides in Orlando.
Please, please, please President Trump rid those two states of the undocumented. Within 6 months, MAGA residents there will be begging their governors to bring back the deportees.
Thursday, April 10 Report this
JDonne
Your refusal to acknowledge credible information is a recurring pattern. The financial burden of illegal immigration on individual states cannot be indefinitely sustained. Attempting to distort the facts is baseless. In reality, you lack any credible evidence to support your absurd claim about labor shortages.
Thursday, April 10 Report this
reenjoe
JDonne, I would say the same for you. Continually citing discredited groups - FAIR, CIS, etc. - that have been extensively debunked as promoting conspiracy theories and propaganda does you no credit. Check the internet for yourself. These groups are listed as "White Nationalist, anti-immigrant hate groups". It's no wonder you hold the views that you do.
You can't even accept that Trump received less than 50% of the popular vote, despite incontrovertible evidence.
As for evidence that deportations will cause economic harm, I implore Trump to empty Texas and Florida of this labor source. Then we can see who is right - you who believes it will improve the economic outlook in those states, or I who believes it will tank their economies.
Thursday, April 10 Report this
JDonne
Your information is sourced from left-wing extremist groups, making it unreliable. It’s undeniable that the housing, healthcare, and medical expenses of undocumented immigrants are unsustainable. Your beliefs are subjective and lack evidence. Your views have been influenced by anti-American websites that promote hatred and sedition, funded by George Soros. Therefore, don't lecture me about racism; it’s an outdated and ineffective strategy. Your hypocrisy is further highlighted by your inability to accept reality. (Donald Trump is the current President of the United States, and he’s performing exceptionally well in his role.) In contrast, your candidate, Kamala Harris, is understandably in a state of psychological shock, grieving the loss of her campaign, as is the entire Democratic Party.
Thursday, April 10 Report this
reenjoe
JDonne, Wow! Now the conservative libertarian Cato Institute is a "left-wing extremist group" funded by George Soros aka Satan. I guess that's why Alex Nowrasteh, an immigration policy analyst at CATO, said “Oh, I’m convinced that [CIS executive director Mark Krikorian is] wrong about all the facts and issues. They’re wrong about the impact of immigrants on the U.S. economy and on U.S. society.”
I'm fairly sure I agreed, several times, that Trump won the 2024 election making him the current president of the U.S. As for his performance, my retirement fund would disagree with your "performing exceptionally well" assessment. I'm also sure I never lectured you on racism; though I did note that CIS and FAIR have been called a hate group by the SPLC.
In any case, when I find myself arguing with an adult over 4th grade mathematics (50.74% vs 49.8%), it's time to agree to disagree and leave it at that.
Thursday, April 10 Report this
JDonne
Hello reenjoe,
In your post, you assert that the CATO Institute, a conservative libertarian organization, has been labeled as a left-wing extremist and is now funded by George Soros. However, my posts do not mention the CATO Institute. Your argument is invalid because you are introducing false information. I cannot participate in discussions based on misinformation. Regrettably, your argument is unfounded. Sorry no cigar!
Thursday, April 10 Report this
reenjoe
JDonne, I now see that even irony is lost on you. Let's recap:
1. I point out that FAIR, CIS and their affiliates have been cited by factcheckers and thinktanks as untrustworthy sources of immigration data
2. You state that those factcheckers and thinktanks are unreliable left wing groups funded by Soros
3. I, ironically, point out that the CATO Institute, definitely NOT liberal or Soros funded, is one of the thinktank saying CIS is untrustworthy and I even provide the name of the CATO's policy analyst and his exact quote which is
4. Alex Nowrasteh, an immigration policy analyst at CATO, said “Oh, I’m convinced that [CIS executive director Mark Krikorian is] wrong about all the facts and issues. They’re wrong about the impact of immigrants on the U.S. economy and on U.S. society.”
Let me state this as clearly as possible. The very conservative Cato Institute has debunked FAIR and CIS as wrong on the facts they present and impacts immigrants have on the U.S. economy and on U.S. society.
If you wish to believe CIS propaganda, that is your prerogative. Just don't expect anyone else to.
Friday, April 11 Report this