October 27th, 2024. Before the 2024 election, John Oliver discusses Donald Trump’s promises to carry out mass deportations, what some of his supporters might not realize about the details of those plans, and – shockingly – how Bill O’Reilly still has a show.Oliver pretty thoroughly debunks mass deportation's supposed effects on jobs, housing, and crime. I didn't know until I watched that deportations result in lower employment for native-born Americans, not higher employment, although I knew that there are some jobs most people born in this country won't do. I don't have to look any farther than Hoover Cleveland's current and former wives. His two longest marriages were (and still are) to immigrants, while his shortest was to Marla Maples, who was born in the U.S.
Speaking of jobs Americans won't do, I'm surprised so much of the construction workforce consists of undocumented immigrants. Yes, there were a lot of immigrants building the L.A. Subway when I was working there 36 years ago, but they were a minority, so I know there are Americans who were willing to build things. Still, removing more than a million workers, especially when unemployment is already low, is going to reduce the ability to build more homes and apartments, impacting the supply. As for reducing demand, it might make rental properties more affordable, although I'm skeptical it will get the landlords to sell at reduced prices to improve home ownership. My mom owns rental property, and that's not how she would operate.
Finally, just reread and re-watch John Oliver debunks 'Migrant Crime' in the middle of covering the RNC on 'Last Week Tonight', which refutes the idea of immigration leading to more crime, especially when there is less crime overall, especially in cities. Oliver does a better job than I could by myself. Too bad his arguments didn't persuade a plurality of voters. Sigh.
I'll be back with another topical post tomorrow. Stay tuned.
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