Impact of Mass Deportations on Rebuilding Efforts

Mass deportations under the current administration could significantly hinder the recovery efforts in Southern California following recent wildfires. A home builder in Los Angeles highlighted the lack of qualified young American workers to fill the necessary construction jobs, emphasizing that over 52% of construction workers in California are immigrants. This shortage poses a challenge, as undocumented workers are often more affordable and readily available, making their absence detrimental to the timely and cost-effective rebuilding of homes. Those on tighter budgets will face the greatest obstacles, as they rely on cheaper options like unlicensed subcontractors, particularly given the extensive damage left by the fires.