The New York Times examines what Trump’s mass evictions in Northwest Arkansas would mean

If Donald Trump wins back the White House in November and keeps his promise to deport millions of immigrants, what will happen to the places that depend on their work and spending?

This is the question asked Tuesday by the New York Times as part of a series on the practical effects of the programs of the two presidential candidates. The story focuses on northwest Arkansas, a region whose rapid growth was made possible in part by an immigrant workforce.

Many of these immigrants are here legally. Others are not allowed. Regardless of their legal status, they are an inextricable part of the economies of towns like Springdale and Bentonville, where construction is booming and labor is scarce. The New York Times writes:

The short-term effects of a sudden, large-scale eviction can be devastating. After nearly 400 workers were arrested during a raid on an Iowa meatpacking plant in 2008, the local economy suffered: the plant filed for bankruptcy and small businesses closed their doors. .

There is reason to be skeptical of Trump’s claims that he will implement a mass deportation program. He promised to do so in 2016, but ended up deporting fewer people than Barack Obama did during his first presidential term (a fact that should give pause to both sides of the immigration debate). And there are an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants living in the United States, many of whom have been here for years, even decades. Removing them would require tens of thousands of new immigration agents and new investments in the overwhelmed federal courts that handle immigration cases.

It’s unclear to what extent even Trump’s most ardent supporters actually believe he will follow through on his deportation promise. If his first term was any guide, a new Trump administration would likely be tough on border policy but far less interested in enforcing it inside the country, which could disrupt business and commerce. Trump wants symbolic victories and bragging rights, not an overhaul of American society. (His running mate, JD Vance, is another story).

So, are northwest Arkansas business owners worried about the prospect of mass evictions?

“It would certainly cause disruption and angst,” said Nelson Peacock, who heads the Northwest Arkansas Council, created by large employers like Walmart and Tyson to promote economic development.

Sitting in a cafe in Fayetteville, Ark., Mr. Peacock said his organization hoped to launch a program helping regional employers obtain legal services for their immigrant workers, particularly those who cannot fill out documents in English or pay legal costs.

Peacock told the Times that area residents recognize the importance of immigrants to the local economy, but that is unlikely to affect their votes. It’s true. The story doesn’t mention that Republican candidates and causes are heavily backed by the billionaire family behind the Walmart empire: Rob, Jim and Alice Walton have donated some $38 million to super PACs and other outside spending groups working to elect Republican candidates in this election. ride a bike.