It's A Numbers Game with Ryan Girdusky It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind U.S. Immigration and Its Economic Impact
Oct 13, 2025
Mickey Kaus, a veteran political commentator and immigration policy expert, joins the discussion to dissect the economic implications of U.S. immigration. He argues that mass immigration has negatively impacted low-skilled American wages, particularly among Black workers. The conversation also addresses the potential for deportations to be more humane and effective and critiques current agricultural labor strategies. Kaus suggests that mechanization might be the future of farming, while also exploring the rise in anti-deportation sentiment and the ongoing crisis in animal shelters.
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Enforcement Lowers Deaths And Trafficking
- Enforcing immigration laws can reduce deaths and human trafficking by discouraging dangerous crossings.
- Mickey Kaus and Ryan argue tougher enforcement created self-deportation and cut smuggler profits, saving lives.
Labor Costs Have Limited Impact On Grocery Prices
- Farm labor is a small share of retail food costs, so modest wage rises have minor effect on grocery prices.
- Mickey and Ryan argue mechanization, not cheaper foreign labor, is the real long-term solution.
H-2A Visas Are Unlimited But Price-Protected
- The H-2A agricultural visa has no numerical cap but requires paying prevailing wages and providing services.
- Employers push rule changes to lower costs, not because of worker scarcity.
