Politics of Border, Rebuilding Clashing | Arkansas Democrat Gazette
LOS ANGELES — The breeze carried smoke from the wildfires that ravaged Pacific Palisades as workers completed the brick facade of a luxurious home in the affluent Brentwood Park neighborhood. The conversations among the workers were predominantly in Spanish, a common sight on construction sites in Southern California for decades.
This linguistic reality seems poised to play a critical role in a significant clash of interests: the pressing need to rebuild thousands of homes reduced to ashes by unprecedented wildfires, contrasting sharply with the promises from the new administration aimed at deporting many workers essential for that monumental task.
“Everyone is scared,” remarked Melvin Merino, a 36-year-old painter at the site. Many workers are apprehensive about disclosing their immigration status due to fears that it could reach immigration officials.
In a supportive environment for the immigrant community, these fears nevertheless prompt caution among workers considering jobs in high-profile areas affected by the fires.
The new administration has promised to enact the largest mass deportation initiative against unauthorized immigrants in U.S. history and to “seal” the borders. Officials have hinted at increased enforcement at workplaces, further heightening the anxieties among immigrant workers.
Immigrant rights organizations are bracing for extensive roundups, conducting legal workshops throughout the state to assist residents who may encounter federal authorities.
The construction industry, already facing a labor shortage, is on edge. The wildfires, which destroyed an estimated 12,000 structures in the affected areas, will escalate the demand for labor. As homeowners seek to hire contractors for the lengthy rebuilding process, deporting undocumented workers or pushing them into the shadows could seriously hinder recovery efforts.
“It’s really a perfect storm,” stated Jennie Murray, president of the National Immigration Forum, which promotes bipartisan immigration policies.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, approximately 41% of construction workers in California are immigrants. However, this figure may be even higher in residential construction, which tends to be nonunionized and less regulated than large-scale projects. Often, the pay is lower, and many workers lack legal status.
While officials claim the administration will focus on deporting criminals, there are fears that a broader approach could devastate industries like hospitality, manufacturing, construction, and agriculture, which heavily rely on immigrant labor.
Recent immigration enforcement activities in Bakersfield, California, have sparked anxiety among agricultural workers, leading to decreased attendance at work. Advocacy groups are witnessing a wave of families seeking guidance on safeguarding themselves from potential deportation.
In Southern California, these developments could aggravate the rebuilding efforts and complicate preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
“There simply aren’t enough skilled tradespeople in this country,” stated Nik Theodore, a University of Illinois Chicago professor specializing in disaster recovery. The backdrop of heightened enforcement promises from the new administration adds to the seriousness of the situation.
The U.S. construction industry currently has around 276,000 unfilled job openings. To alleviate the tight labor market, the National Association of Home Builders has advocated for a guest worker program.
Estimates indicate that between 13% and 23% of construction workers in the U.S. lack authorization. A study by California Lutheran University’s Center for Economics and Social Issues determined that in 2019 nearly 29% of construction workers in California were undocumented, contributing $23 billion in value to the industry that year.
“Labor shortages are definitely on the horizon,” said Frank Hawk, executive secretary-treasurer of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters. He highlighted existing concerns about the region’s capacity to provide skilled labor for the upcoming Olympics.
Construction workers without legal status might be reluctant to travel far for work due to fears of being apprehended.
Others may choose to go underground or leave the country entirely, further straining the market and leading to increased costs.
The study from Cal Lutheran found that the median hourly wage for undocumented workers in California was $13, which is significantly lower compared to U.S.-born workers earning $26 per hour, while authorized immigrants made $19 per hour.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the need for utilizing immigrant Mexican workers in the reconstruction efforts, stating that there’s no better construction labor than Mexicans.
Compared to natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, the Southern California fires also witness an influx of Latino immigrants eager to participate in rebuilding efforts, exemplified by the persistent demand for labor in areas devastated by the fires.
Pablo Alvarado, co-executive director of the National Day Laborers Organizing Network, noted that after Katrina, laborers found abundant job opportunities.
However, unauthorized immigrants face significant risks, including unsafe working conditions and wage disputes. Merino fears that contractors will shy away from hiring undocumented immigrants due to potential repercussions from federal authorities. Others believe established contractors might retain their jobs, while newcomers face greater hurdles in securing work.
Should mass deportations become a reality, research indicates that the consequences could reverberate throughout the entire construction industry, resulting in net job losses for U.S.-born construction workers.
“If you don’t have enough workers for framing and drywall installation, it hampers the work of electricians and plumbers,” explained Dayin Zhang from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Zhang co-authored a study that tracked immigration enforcement’s impact and discovered a substantial and lasting decline in the construction workforce and residential homebuilding in areas affected by deportations. The resulting decrease in housing availability also led to rising home prices.
Widespread deportations could have an even greater impact in Los Angeles, where a significant proportion of construction workers reside illegally.
In Malibu, immigrant Alberto Garcia voiced his concerns about potential deportations while volunteering at a local labor exchange.
Amid these apprehensions, many laborers are compelled to seek work to meet basic financial needs such as food and rent. However, they may remain hesitant to accept jobs due to visa issues and fears of being reported.
Hector Reyes, a construction business owner catering to affluent clients, reflects on the parallels between current threats and the immigration raids of the 1980s. He acknowledges the hard work and dedication of undocumented individuals who contribute significantly to the industry.
Theodore summed up the reality by emphasizing that regardless of deportation policies, the city will continue to depend on immigrant labor for its recovery and rebuilding efforts.
