Catch 22: Fixing immigration

Illegal immigration has become a very sensitive issue in recent years. Most Americans seem to agree that finding a quick and definite solution to this problem is necessary. However, most of the American I talked about the subject miss a real important point: Economics.

Allow me to analyze what I think are the only two possible scenarios finding a quick solution:

1) Massive deportations. What would be the result if this aggressive approach to the problem is taken? The next day inflation will skyrocket. Liking it or not, undocumented aliens are a very important source of cheap labor. They do odd jobs many Americans reject. Salaries would need to be higher to attract locals to accept these jobs. The impact of this would be felt immediately. Not to mention the high expenses the government would have to pay deporting undocumented aliens.

2) Quick legalization. The result will be the same. Now it would be the legal immigrants who will demand better pay. After all, many of them are well skilled workers that would aspire better jobs and better salaries after receiving their legal papers. Also consider the price of the enormous bureaucracy that would involve the legalization process.

Do not be surprised if president Trump do exactly what Obama tried to do. Delay the process by presenting unpopular solutions.

A real solution will come very slowly. And it could be a reasonable combination of both approaches: Deportation and legalization. Not only for the reasons above exposed but also for the political price to pay. No matter what path is chosen, half of Americans will disagree.