Sharon Juve: As planes take off, let’s consider true cost of mass deportations

To The Daily Sun,

As planes filled with undocumented immigrants depart under new federal policies, we must ask: What are we really losing?

Mass deportations may satisfy political talking points, but the economic toll is staggering. Deporting millions could cost up to $315 billion, while removing workers who contribute $76.1 billion in taxes annually would devastate industries already struggling with labor shortages. In 2022, undocumented immigrants paid $22.6 billion into Social Security and $5.7 billion into Medicare — programs they cannot access.

It’s important to distinguish between undocumented workers who sustain our economy and those who pose legitimate security concerns. Research consistently shows undocumented immigrants commit crimes at lower rates than U.S.-born citizens, while the majority fill essential roles in tourism, construction, and health care — sectors vital to Meredith and the Lakes Region.

Here in New Hampshire, foreign-born workers make up 7% of the state’s workforce and contributed $1.5 billion to our economy between 2018-2022. Without these workers, businesses risk closure, threatening our local economy.

Housing challenges compound the problem. With a statewide vacancy rate of just 0.8%, employers like Hart’s Turkey Farm invest in housing just to retain workers — a sign of how critical these employees are. If businesses must provide housing just to stay operational, it underscores the severity of our labor crisis.

If deportations proceed indiscriminately, New Hampshire stands to lose millions while worsening labor shortages. Immigration reform that expands work authorization could boost tax contributions by $40.2 billion annually nationwide and increase New Hampshire’s economic output by $1 billion by 2045.

We need balanced solutions that enhance security while protecting our economy. Business leaders should advocate for expanded work authorization programs, lawmakers must address housing shortages, and communities must support policies that ensure both economic strength and public safety.

Sharon Juve

Meredith