President Donald Trump signed so many executive orders on his first two days in office that many Americans were naturally left wondering how his policy changes would affect their everyday lives. One such question looms particularly large: If we deport illegal aliens, who will take their place in working low-skilled jobs?
Many seem to think that the economy is completely dependent on illegal aliens working low-skilled jobs. According to the Brookings Institution, for example, deportations would lead to job losses among illegal aliens and U.S. natives alike. The deportation of the former would reduce consumer demand, causing industries to scale back operations.
Similarly, the Center for American Progress argues that deporting unauthorized workers would immediately reduce the nation’s gross domestic product by 1.4% and ultimately reduce it by 2.6%, with cumulative GDP…
