America’s housing affordability crisis may face an unexpected new hurdle: immigration crackdowns. A University of Utah study warns that deporting millions of undocumented workers could slash the construction labor force, driving up home prices and slowing new builds. Led by Assistant Professor Troup Howard, the research reveals a direct link between stricter immigration enforcement and reduced homebuilding. When undocumented workers are removed, domestic labor only partially fills the gap—resulting in net job losses and stalled construction projects. President Trump’s plan to boost housing supply by freeing homes and deregulating the sector may not offset the damage caused by workforce reductions. “Even if localities are ready to build, there may not be enough workers,” the researchers concluded. Experts agree that labor shortages could disrupt the construction industry, further straining an already fragile market. As the debate continues, the housing market hangs in the balance.
