Trump Administration's Immigration Policy Could Have Dire Effects in Clark County, Part 3
Wednesday, March 22nd, 2017 -- 11:39 AM
-A priority in Washington D.C. could have a dire effect on farms, factories and other jobs here in Clark County.One of President Trump’s highest priorities is the deportation of undocumented immigrants. He has used a series of executive orders to chip away at the barriers to deportations and hire new law enforcement officials to spearhead the effort. Should he succeed, the effects will be wide reaching including right here in Clark County where a high population of undocumented workers fill positions on farms and in factories. I spoke with Melissa Kono, CNRED Agent, and Richard Halopka, Crops and Soil Agent, with the Clark County UW-Extension Office. They talked about the economic effects mass deportation could have on the area.
Melissa: "There's a lot of extra business too when it comes to immigrant labor. For example, check cashing businesses, mailbox rental. In areas that have high immigrant populations, those are two services that are widely sought out. There's rental income because many people who lack proper documentation can't purchase a home. So there's an increase in demand for rental housing. Even grocery stores. Especially Latino owned grocery stores or Latino focused grocery stores. Newspapers, radio stations, things like that. And then there's the economic effect of having more consumer spending in an area."
Richard: "By having those workers present it also generates dollars. Because, whether they're documented or not documented, they buy stuff. A lot of stuff."
Melissa: "And if they had proper documentation they might be able to buy additional things."
Richard: "Correct."
Melissa: "Like vehicles or homes or even being able to have credit to buy furniture or utility vehicles and things like that."
Richard: "I think it's very interesting when you drive down Main Street in Abbotsford, the number of businesses that have Hispanic ownership."
Coming up on Thursday, Melissa and Richard will talk about some of the other consequences the order could have on our area.
In Case You Missed It:
Part 1: http://cwbradio.com/news/?fn_mode=fullnews&fn_id=18669
Part 2: http://cwbradio.com/news/?fn_mode=fullnews&fn_id=18677
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