I'm taking a small departure from my usual postings about LGBTQ issues. Indulge me, please.
One good thing may come out of Trump's nonsensical plan to mass deport undocumented immigrants is a realization of how much this country depends upon them. Whether folks want to admit it or not, there is very vital ecosystem of undocumented workers. They not only work at the jobs people in this country don't want to have, but their spending contributes greatly to our economy.
No matter how much they are attacked by wannabe social media influencers, vilified by opportunistic politicians, or resented in general, the fact of the matter is that they are as part of America as the rest of us. This country needs them just as much as they need us. Very few will say this out loud and even fewer wants to admit to it, but it's a fact.
As you can tell by the success of Trump's recent campaign, they also serve a convenient function as scapegoats, i.e. the proverbial monster in the dark closet. The only problem is when lights get switched on and the closet doors get flung open, are we going to be able to cope with the consequences of what Trump has in store for them? He has no thought-out plan of how he's going to accomplish this mass deportation, nor does he have no idea how much it would cost. He's simply riding an emotional wave built up by fear and jealousy. But what's going to happen when reality comes crashing into that wave?
I'm not alone in feeling this way. Articles from various news sources have been warning us. Some of us simply refuse to listen:
Undocumented immigrants have a substantial economic footprint in the US and Utah
US neighbors balk at Trump plan for deported migrants
Expert: Mass deportation would have ‘devastating impact’ on Michigan agriculture industry
‘Mass deportations would disrupt the food chain’: Californians warn of ripple effect of Trump threat
US farm groups want Trump to spare their workers from deportation
Some upstate farmers worry about plan for migrant workers, deportation promise from Trump
Wisconsin Farmer Talks about Essential Role of Migrant Workers
Pa. farm industry braces for raids, deportations under proposed Trump policy
Even immigrants with lawful status brace for Trump's mass deportation
South Florida immigrants fear mass deportations amid Trump's return to office
Trump's deportation vow alarms Texas construction industry
Mass deportations could hinder US agriculture
