Very early in the Trump administration’s rollout of immigration enforcement measures, it became clear that it was going beyond its promise to focus on criminals and national security threats.
That shift has swiftly disrupted the workforce across multiple sectors — notably the construction industry. New homebuyers and families building houses were suddenly confronted not only with threats of rising costs for construction materials, but also a government-induced worker shortage.
The Urban Institute estimates that nearly a quarter of construction professionals in the United States are skilled immigrant workers. However, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE’s) indiscriminate targeting of construction workers have turned workplaces unsafe.
As a result, the increase of deportations is also deepening America’s housing crisis. In 2024, experts estimated that the construction sector already required over half a million new workers to meet development goals. Now, instead of gaining new workers, contractors are losing them.
But it’s not just construction. Nearly every key sector of Florida’s economic foundation is experiencing similar devastation — agriculture, education, and health care, as well as tourism and hospitality.
Immigration challenges are not new or unique to this administration. However, the lack of initiative to provide fruitful, lasting solutions is distinctively striking.
Americans deserve a revitalized immigration strategy and as such, Americans deserve clarity on two main things: Who is being deported and what is the administration’s plan to empower a strategy to maintain social and economic stability.
The administration promised to prioritize the deportation of criminals. However, recent reports indicate that the majority of people in ICE detention have no criminal records. The vast majority of American voters favor Congress working on legislation that establishes legal pathways for essential workers, Dreamers, and individuals with temporary protections — acknowledging the indispensable role they play in strengthening communities across the country.
To respond to this need, Republicans and Democrats in Congress should work together on legislation that reflects the dual character of America: a nation of laws, but also a nation of opportunity and redemption.
Some are. Members of the House Problem Solvers Caucus from both parties recently visited the Arizona-Mexico border and talked about finding immigration solutions, a promising sign. Reps. Maria Salazar (R-Florida) and Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) have introduced the Dignity Act of 2025, with an equal number of Republican and Democratic co-sponsors. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pennsylvania), with the support of seven Republican and three Democratic colleagues, introduced the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act last month.
We need these kinds of solutions that prioritize security alongside our economic strength and our compassion — firm but fair approaches to immigration that address unlawful immigration while also recognizing the reality of the millions of people already living here and making America more successful.
For Floridians, this is urgent. A strong economy is what keeps the American dream within reach for future generations. Our housing market, our workforce, and our communities depend on pragmatic solutions.
As the drama relates to the rampant, discriminatory raids by ICE, no one is opposed to deportation for violent criminals and those who are a threat to national security — but decent, discerning Americans are categorically opposed to racial profiling and traumatizing communities by detaining and deporting farm workers, roofers, school professionals, and even pastors of churches.
Supporting bipartisan efforts and legislation means choosing stability, opportunity, and fairness for our state and our nation.
Joel Tooley is the Director of Mosaic Compassion and CoPastor of First Church of the Nazarene in Melbourne. He is a consultant for the Forum, a nonpartisan advocacy group based in Washington, D.C.
