President Joe Biden’s tenure has witnessed a vigorous push for increased immigration, epitomizing what the New York Times describes as a fundamental aspect of neoliberalism. This influx, largely unpopular among the working-class voters most impacted by it, raises significant concerns about wages, housing costs, and employment opportunities for American citizens.
The recent uptick in what is termed as “neopopulism” reflects a growing discontent with unchecked free market ideologies that prioritize the movement of labor over the well-being of domestic workers. Key figures like David Leonhardt of the New York Times have acknowledged that heightened immigration is integral to neoliberalism, a shift that has led to an unprecedented spike in the foreign-born population under Biden’s administration, now standing at a historic 51.6 million.
Under Biden’s policies, the foreign-born population has escalated by 6.6 million—equivalent to nearly two years of American births—placing extraordinary strain on America’s labor market. Research unequivocally shows that this surge in low-wage foreign workers dampens wage growth for American workers and exacerbates housing shortages, driving up costs in already strained markets. The ramifications are felt most acutely by those on the margins of the labor market who struggle to secure stable, decently paying jobs.
Economic experts, such as E.J. Antoni from the Heritage Foundation, have documented the adverse effects of this mass immigration on domestic employment and wages. Over the past twelve months, employment gains have predominantly benefited foreign-born workers, leaving employment rates for native-born Americans virtually stagnant. This trend highlights a troubling displacement within the labor market, where American workers see limited job growth in contrast to their foreign-born counterparts.
Further compounding these issues is the impact on housing costs. The demand generated by mass immigration drives housing prices higher, a reality starkly evident in places like Ontario, Canada, and mirrored in the U.S. Bloomberg-funded research has consistently shown that the influx of immigrants contributes significantly to the surge in housing costs, a burden particularly heavy for first-time homebuyers among native populations.
Despite the clear discontent among working-class Americans, who continue to advocate for reduced immigration levels, there seems to be little legislative action addressing these concerns. Polls such as those by Rasmussen Reports reveal that nearly half of non-college-educated voters support significant reductions in legal immigration, with only a small fraction favoring an increase. Yet, Congress remains slow to respond to these calls, reflecting a disconnect between public sentiment and legislative priorities.
As we navigate this era of heightened immigration and its complex socio-economic impact, it remains crucial to balance the ideals of humanitarianism with the practical necessities of national security and employment stability. The implications of these policies will undoubtedly continue to shape the discourse in the run-up to the next election, bringing the focus sharply on how America manages its borders and labor market to secure the welfare of its citizens.
