Zero Impact on the Economy: Sen. Grassley weighs in on the impact of Trump’s deportation efforts

“No business person in the United States is going to hire people that are terrorists or criminals. So deporting them is going to have zero impact on the economy...”

The Trump administration’s deportation efforts have sparked concern among some in the ag industry, who claim that illegal immigrant workers are avoiding their workplaces out of fear, causing production and price concerns.

Iowa Senator, Chuck Grassley told ag reporters this week that he does not buy that claim.

“Don’t talk to me about the impact of deportation on the economy. Because right now we’re getting rid of people on the terrorist watchlist. We’re getting people with criminal elements and no business person in the United States is going to hire people that are terrorists or criminals. So deporting them is going to have zero impact on the economy, and then there’s another category of people. A massive number of people... that have been adjudicated by our courts that they are not entitled to asylum in the United States. And so, it’s been determined that they shouldn’t be in this country. So, let’s get rid of those, you know, whatever it adds up to— 1.5 million people, 2 million people, then maybe a year from now ask me the question about the impact it might have on the economy, but everything we’re doing right now has no impact on the economy.”

Grassley’s home state of Iowa is estimated to be home to nearly 105,000 illegal immigrants.

The Economic Policy Institute says that many of those workers are at Tyson’s processing plants. Governor Kim Reynolds has issued an order directing Iowa law enforcement officials to assist federal agencies including cases involving illegal immigrants.

The dairy industry is facing similar challenges.

International Dairy Foods Association CEO Michael Dykes says that making reforms to legal foreign ag worker pathways will be a major priority for the industry this year. That includes pushing for year-round H-2A worker programs.
Dykres argues as more mass deportations take place the dairy industry will need to find ways to make the legal process work.

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“It all comes back to the timeliness. Are we going to be able to get in that field?”