The American construction industry faces uncertainty as President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportations could disrupt labor availability and raise building costs. Trump has pledged to prioritize deporting criminals, with plans to expand removals over time. Tom Homan, the incoming border czar and former ICE director, has echoed this stance, warning undocumented immigrants to prepare for removal.
The industry, which relies heavily on immigrant workers, may face severe workforce shortages. Patrick Murphy, a former U.S. Representative and executive in the construction sector, noted that millions of undocumented workers contribute significantly to the labor force. “If they are deported, prices will skyrocket in construction,” he cautioned. Surveys indicate immigrants make up 20-30% of the workforce.
Murphy stressed the importance of a gradual, strategic immigration plan to support domestic labor development. “Flipping the light overnight will be very dangerous,” he warned.
Trump’s suggestion to involve the military in deportations has drawn criticism, even from Republicans like Sen. Rand Paul, who opposes the use of armed forces in domestic immigration enforcement. Proposed tariffs on imported building materials add another layer of concern for the industry, potentially compounding cost pressures.
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