Current Political Climate

[Robert Jones]

Anyone feeling super confident doing deals in the current political climate?

[Robert Jones]

This is silly. 

Your argument is based on outdated assumptions and ignores the reality of today’s labor market. Let’s break it down:

1. "If we don’t have slaves, who will pick the cotton?"
   This is a loaded statement that misrepresents the role of immigrant labor. Modern agriculture, construction, and service industries rely on immigrant workers not because they are “cheap labor” but because they are skilled and willing to do jobs many Americans won’t. And they are not working for pennies—many are earning $40 an hour or more in skilled trades like construction, landscaping, and specialized farming.
2. "They are often mistreated."
   Mistreated workers are not a problem with immigration but with labor law enforcement. Instead of blaming immigrants, we should be ensuring fair wages and working conditions for all. In fact, many immigrants—including undocumented ones—are earning strong wages in industries facing severe worker shortages. For example, roofers, welders, and construction workers frequently make above $40 an hour because demand is so high.
3. "They don’t pay the same taxes a citizen would."
   This is false. Most undocumented immigrants pay taxes. They contribute billions in payroll, sales, and property taxes. According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, undocumented immigrants contribute over $11 billion annually in state and local taxes alone. Many also pay into Social Security with no ability to claim benefits, which actually props up the system.
4. "They take jobs from Americans."
   There’s little evidence to support this. In fact, a 2023 study found that immigration boosts employment for native-born workers. Why? Because immigrants take on the jobs that keep industries running, allowing businesses to expand and hire more people at all levels. Meanwhile, the 35 million Americans on welfare you reference includes retirees, disabled individuals, and caregivers—not a vast workforce waiting to be deployed.
5. "Many immigrants send their money abroad."
   Yes, some immigrants send remittances to their families, but the majority of their earnings are spent locally—on rent, groceries, gas, and other essentials—directly supporting the U.S. economy. And even those remittances often come back in the form of trade and economic growth.
6. "Illegals require housing."
   Blaming immigrants for the housing crisis ignores the actual causes—zoning laws, slow development approvals, and underinvestment in housing supply. Immigrants help build homes, work in construction, and fill critical labor shortages. Removing them would make the housing crisis worse, not better.

At the end of the day, immigrants—documented or not—are a crucial part of our economy, not a drain on it. Many of them earn far higher wages than you assume, and their contributions help sustain industries, Social Security, and economic growth. Removing them wouldn't solve any of the problems you listed—it would make them all worse.