Former President Donald Trump's proposed immigration policies, including mass deportations and stricter border controls, could significantly impact U.S. businesses, according to a new survey. Conducted by Axios and The Harris Poll, the survey of 300 business leaders reveals widespread unease about workforce disruptions.
Key Findings:
- Workforce Risks: 62% of executives worry that deporting undocumented workers would shrink their labor pool, particularly in industries like construction, agriculture, and hospitality.
- Economic Impact: 58% anticipate higher labor costs due to potential worker shortages, with 54% expecting supply chain disruptions.
- Policy Support and Divide: While 47% support tougher immigration enforcement, 53% believe mass deportations would harm their operations. Political affiliation shapes views, with 68% of Republican-leaning leaders backing stricter policies compared to 29% of Democrats.
- Hiring Challenges: 60% of respondents say finding skilled workers is already difficult, and restrictive policies could exacerbate this.
Context: Trump’s campaign pledges include the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, targeting millions of undocumented immigrants. This aligns with his base’s priorities but raises concerns among businesses reliant on immigrant labor. The survey underscores a tension between policy goals and economic realities, with industries bracing for potential upheaval.
Why It Matters: With immigrants making up a significant portion of low-wage and skilled labor, deportations could ripple across the economy, driving up costs and slowing growth. Businesses are urging policymakers to balance enforcement with workforce needs.