Betsey Stevenson, a former chief economist during the Obama administration, has raised concerns about potential food inflation if undocumented immigrant farm workers are deported. Stevenson, currently an academic economist at the University of Michigan, made these comments in response to concerns raised by Robert Zubrin, an American aerospace engineer and author. Zubrin highlighted the significant role undocumented immigrants play in American agriculture, stating that “Forty percent of all American farm workers are undocumented immigrants. [Former President Donald) Trump wants to get rid of them. What will you eat when the people who feed you are gone?”
Stevenson, acknowledging the importance of this workforce, stated, “We wouldn’t run out of food, but food inflation will increase.” Her statement echoes the potential economic consequences of deporting a large segment of the agricultural workforce. This discussion comes at a time when former President Trump has repeatedly emphasized his plans for large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants. At a recent campaign rally, Trump outlined his plans for deporting border-crossers, describing the situation in certain areas as a “bloody story” that would ensue from their removal. He has criticized the lack of thorough vetting for those who entered the country, asserting they should never have been allowed in.
Trump’s stance on immigration has been consistent, with him previously outlining plans to deport between 15 million and 20 million individuals whom he claims are undocumented in the U.S. He has also expressed a preference for immigrants from “nice” countries like Denmark and proposed granting green cards to foreign students graduating from U.S. colleges, including junior colleges. This focus on immigration and its economic impact has sparked ongoing debates, particularly concerning the potential consequences of deporting undocumented workers on various sectors of the economy.
Beyond the potential food inflation, Stevenson has been vocal about the importance of fact-based policy in economic discussions. She has criticized misinformation spread about tariffs and their effects on consumer prices and emphasized the need for accurate information in policy-making. This emphasis on evidence-based policymaking is crucial for understanding the broader economic consequences of various policies, particularly those related to immigration.
The discussion surrounding immigration policy and its economic impact remains complex and multifaceted. It is crucial to consider the potential consequences of various policies, including deportations, on different sectors of the economy, recognizing the significant contributions of all types of workers, including those who may be undocumented.
