What's happened
Recent discussions highlight the contrasting views on immigration's role in housing markets in the US and Australia. While Trump proposes mass deportations, the Business Council of Australia advocates for skilled migration to address housing shortages. Both approaches reflect differing strategies to tackle housing affordability and labor shortages.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Business Insider UK, Trump's immigration plan could lead to the deportation of up to 1.2 million undocumented immigrants, which would significantly impact the construction labor market. Jim Tobin, CEO of the National Association of Home Builders, stated, 'If we did see mass deportations, I do think it would have a chilling effect on the labor market.' In contrast, SBS reports that the Business Council of Australia advocates for a $10 billion housing reform fund to expedite construction and address labor shortages through skilled migration. BCA chief executive Bran Black emphasized the need for skilled workers, stating, 'When we can't produce those skills at home, let's look abroad.' This contrast illustrates the differing strategies in the US and Australia regarding immigration and housing.
How we got here
The housing crisis in both the US and Australia has prompted political leaders to propose various solutions. In the US, Trump's immigration policies aim to reduce demand, while in Australia, the Business Council emphasizes the need for skilled migrants to boost housing supply.
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.