The Myth of the Job-Stealing Immigrant: A Closer Look at Trump’s Campaign Claims

A central through line of Trump’s campaign seems to be that immigrants are stealing jobs from Americans — whether they be white men, Black people, or basically anyone he is trying to get to vote for him. During the debate with Biden, Trump repeatedly answered every question (whether it was about abortion or actually related to immigration) with this central argument that immigrants were stealing jobs. And most recently, he advanced the (unsubstantiated) theory that immigrants were stealing what he referred to as “Black jobs.”

“Coming from the border are millions and millions of people who happen to be taking Black jobs,” Trump said at a gathering of the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago. “They’re taking the employment from Black people.” ABC News 8/2/24

But does this claim hold water?

In order to shed some light on this issue so central to Trump’s argument, let’s examine whether a ban on immigrants would actually lead to the job and economic growth Trump seems to be promising.

First, consider the logical inconsistency in the narrative. The same people who think immigrants are taking their jobs also claim that people who can’t get a job shouldn’t be given welfare because they’re not trying hard enough. These two ideals directly contradict each other. You can’t simultaneously fully embrace the American myth of the self-made man and claim single moms shouldn’t get handouts because they’re not trying hard enough to support themselves.

Moreover, the jobs that immigrants do are often very different from the jobs these voters aspire to. Many immigrants take on roles in sectors facing severe labor shortages, such as agriculture, hospitality, and construction. These are positions that, quite frankly, many native-born workers are not vying for. Additionally, immigrants create jobs by starting new businesses. According to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, immigrants are nearly “twice as likely to become entrepreneurs as native-born Americans.” which in turn creates more job opportunities for everyone.

High-skilled tech workers also fill crucial gaps and help build new technologies. These are not jobs that are being stolen; they are roles that are filled because of a lack of available, qualified candidates domestically. This innovation-driven employment boosts economic growth and creates even more jobs downstream.

Thinking that an immigrant is stealing your job is renouncing personal responsibility for how we can actually improve our economic condition, both through personal efforts and supporting policies that work.

Here are 5 real ways to address employment challenges:

1. Networking: There is no correlation between the number of hours someone spends looking for work and their success rate. However, networking is a highly effective way to get work. Building professional connections can lead to job opportunities that are not publicly advertised and improve chances of getting an interview. Platforms like LinkedIn , professional associations, and local business groups like the Chamber of Commerce offer networking opportunities. The Harris campaign supports initiatives to expand broadband access, ensuring more Americans can take advantage of online networking platforms. In contrast, Trump’s administration has repeatedly proposed cuts to broadband expansion programs, limiting access to these crucial tools.
2. Upskilling: Harris supports free access to community college and vocational training programs, which can help workers gain new skills needed in the modern job market. Websites like Coursera, edX , and local community colleges offer affordable courses in high-demand fields such as IT, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Despite promising to support vocational and technical education, Trump’s budget proposals have included significant cuts to these very programs, hampering opportunities for workers to upskill.
3. Getting Business Coaching: Entrepreneurs can benefit from mentorship and guidance in navigating the complexities of starting and running a business. Organizations like SCORE Mentors, Small Business Development Corporation (SBDCs), and local incubators provide free or low-cost business coaching. The Harris campaign has proposed expanding funding for these programs to support small business growth. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has been criticized for not providing adequate support to small businesses, especially during the pandemic, where many small business relief efforts were poorly managed and insufficient.
4. Joining Support Organizations: It’s often hardest for people with disabilities, women, and veterans to find work. Joining organizations of like-minded individuals who can target your unique needs can provide support and job opportunities. Groups like the National Organization on Disability, Association of Women’s Business Centers, and Veterans Employment Training Service, Inc. (VETS) offer tailored support and resources. Trump’s administration has frequently attempted to cut funding for these programs, undermining the support networks that are vital for these communities.
5. Creating New Jobs: The Harris campaign has proposed creating new green jobs as part of a broader strategy to combat climate change and boost the economy. This includes investments in renewable energy, infrastructure, and clean technology, which are expected to generate millions of new jobs. In contrast, Trump’s administration has largely focused on deregulation and support for fossil fuels, missing the opportunity to lead in the burgeoning green economy and create sustainable, future-oriented job growth.

McKinsey & Company’s detailed analyses of the future of work predicts significant shifts in job demand due to automation and digitization. Many low-wage, routine jobs are at risk, while demand for high-skill jobs in technology, healthcare, and green industries is expected to grow. Harris’s proposals to upskill the workforce and create new green jobs align well with these predictions, preparing Americans for the evolving job market. Conversely, Trump’s lack of focus on these forward-looking strategies leaves many workers vulnerable to job displacement without a clear path to new opportunities (McKinsey & Company) (McKinsey & Company) (McKinsey & Company).

Immigrants should not be the scapegoat for America’s employment issues. They are integral to our economic fabric, driving growth and innovation. Instead of blaming immigrants, let’s look at constructive ways to improve our economic conditions through self-improvement, community support, and inclusive policies. This is the real path to prosperity for all Americans.