Amid growing concerns about the future of the U.S. economy, Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) made a striking appeal for increased reliance on illegal labor to sustain America’s economic growth.
Speaking at a Tuesday hearing with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, Salazar emphasized that without foreign workers, particularly in key sectors, the nation’s expansion could stall.
Salazar pointed out that significant labor shortages have emerged in construction, hospitality and agriculture, industries critical to the country’s infrastructure and food supply.
“Most of those people are working in three main sectors—construction, hospitality, and agriculture… we’re talking about 15% of the economy,” she explained, linking the worker shortfall in part to immigration enforcement policies.
She referenced what ICE leadership calls “collateral damage,” describing deportations that have inadvertently drained the workforce.
“We want to continue growing. We’re the number one economy in the world… if we don’t have those hands, then we don’t grow,” Salazar declared, framing immigration not just as a humanitarian or political issue but an economic necessity.
Her position signals a divergence from the prevailing MAGA movement, which largely favors tighter immigration restrictions.
Powell, while not endorsing Salazar’s call for more illegal labor, agreed with the underlying economic facts.
“It’s really reduced the amount of growth in the labor force,” Powell said, referencing immigration restrictions that have slowed workforce expansion.
He cautioned that growth in the labor force is one of two critical drivers for the economy—alongside productivity—and that a slowdown here inevitably tempers economic growth.
The Federal Reserve chair also acknowledged a nuanced labor market, noting that while labor force growth has diminished, demand for workers has similarly declined.
“They’ve been coming down at about the same time,” he said.
Powell emphasized that the Fed does not have the authority to set immigration policy but remains attentive to its economic impacts.
Adding another layer to the challenge, Salazar pointed to America’s declining birth rates as a pressing demographic concern.
“Americans are not having enough kids,” she remarked.
Powell agreed, stating that current domestic population trends are unlikely to meet future labor needs through 2035.
He also touched on the potential for technological advancements like artificial intelligence to boost productivity but warned against expecting these innovations to fully compensate for labor shortages anytime soon.
“Those gains are coming… but they may take longer or be less in the beginning than expected,” he said.
Salazar’s record of supporting some immigration reform measures, including a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, has already sparked debate within her party.
Her recent push for increased illegal labor in strategic sectors only intensifies the divide with conservative factions advocating for stricter immigration control, according to Trending Politics.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration maintains its stance on robust immigration enforcement, continuing mass deportations, including workers in vital industries.
This hardline approach contrasts sharply with Salazar’s economic warnings.
Despite labor market concerns, Powell downplayed fears of an immediate crisis.
He acknowledged a shrinking labor pool but noted that the reduced demand for workers has somewhat balanced the equation.
“We can report on what happens,” he said, “but it’s really not our job” to shape immigration laws.
Salazar’s comments have sparked considerable debate within Republican circles, as her call for increased illegal labor appears at odds with the MAGA movement’s strong emphasis on strict immigration enforcement and reducing illegal labor.
Her position highlights a growing divide within the party over balancing economic needs with immigration policies, signaling ongoing tension between traditional conservative immigration priorities and emerging economic realities.
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Hire Americans!
Here is an idea!!!!!!! Let them come in the front door the legal way. That’s the way my ancestors did it and they contributed to the American way and asked for nothing but to be allowed in and they worked without government handouts and were successful!!!!!!