Published on: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 22:11:00 GMT
Original Story: Trump crackdown drives 80% plunge in immigrant employment, reshaping labor market, Goldman says – Fortune

Trump’s Labor Crackdown: Déjà Vu, Anyone?

Oh, joy. Another day, another headline screaming about the latest plot twist in the Trump saga. This time, it’s about how his administration’s relentless crackdown on immigration has caused an 80% plunge in immigrant employment, according to some number-crunchers over at Goldman Sachs. Shocking, right? Or maybe not, considering this is pretty much Trump’s greatest hits album playing on repeat.

The Numbers Don’t Lie (But Politicians Do)

Let’s dive into the data, shall we? Goldman Sachs, a firm that probably has more economists than I have functioning brain cells after my third cup of coffee, reports an 80% decrease in immigrant employment. Eighty percent! That’s not a typo. That’s a seismic shift in the labor market. Now, before we start shedding tears for corporate profits (because let’s be honest, that’s who this *really* hurts), let’s remember the context.

We’re talking about a sustained effort to deport, detain, and generally make life miserable for anyone who doesn’t fit the “Make America Great Again” mold. This isn’t some accident; it’s a feature, not a bug, of the Trump administration’s policies. And who suffers? Well, businesses scrambling for workers, consumers facing higher prices (thanks, inflation!), and, oh yeah, the immigrants themselves. But hey, at least someone’s “winning,” right?

Remember the 2016 Promises?

Back in 2016, Trump promised a border wall and a crackdown on illegal immigration. He sold it as a way to protect American jobs and raise wages. The idea was simple: fewer immigrants = more jobs and higher pay for native-born workers. Sounds great on a bumper sticker, less so when you realize the economy is a tad more complex than a MAGA rally.

Flash forward to today, and what do we have? Fewer immigrants, sure. But also labor shortages, rising prices, and an economy teetering on the edge of… well, something not particularly pleasant. Turns out, the “simple” solution was anything but. Who could have possibly foreseen *that*?

The Hypocrisy is Strong With This One

Here’s where my inner elder millennial really starts to twitch. Remember back in… oh, let’s say 2017? When Trump was all about “merit-based” immigration? The idea was to attract the “best and brightest” from around the world to boost the U.S. economy. He even talked about how immigrants contribute to innovation and create jobs. Seemed almost… reasonable. Almost.

Now, we’re seeing the exact opposite. Instead of welcoming skilled workers and entrepreneurs, we’re slamming the door shut and creating a labor vacuum. So, what changed? Did Trump suddenly discover that immigrants are actually lizard people from outer space trying to steal our precious bodily fluids? Or is it just another example of him saying whatever suits him at the moment, consequences be damned?

The Economic Impact: Duh.

Look, I’m no economist (thank God), but even I can see that drastically reducing the labor supply is going to have some… negative effects. Businesses that rely on immigrant labor – agriculture, construction, hospitality – are getting hammered. They can’t find workers, so they’re either raising prices or cutting back on production. Either way, it’s not exactly a recipe for economic prosperity.

And let’s not forget the ripple effect. Higher prices mean consumers have less money to spend on other things, which hurts other businesses, and so on. It’s like a giant, slow-motion domino effect of economic doom. All thanks to a policy that was supposed to “make America great.” Mission accomplished, I guess?

But Wait, There’s More! The 2025 Project Looms

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. With Project 2025 looming on the horizon, we can expect even more draconian immigration policies if Trump gets another shot at the White House. Think mass deportations, even stricter border controls, and a general atmosphere of fear and paranoia. Because nothing says “economic growth” like scaring away a huge chunk of your workforce.

The Long-Term Consequences

What are the long-term consequences of all this? A shrinking workforce, slower economic growth, and a society increasingly divided along ethnic and racial lines. Congratulations, America! You played yourself.

This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about real people, real lives, and the future of our country. And right now, the future looks a lot less “great” and a lot more… well, you get the picture.

Snarky Takeaway

So, there you have it. Trump’s crackdown on immigration is doing exactly what it was designed to do: disrupt the labor market, sow division, and generally make a mess of things. And the best part? He’ll probably blame someone else for it. Because accountability is for losers. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need another cup of coffee. And maybe a stiff drink.