SouthernWorldwide.com – U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner has stated that the Trump administration is actively working to address the escalating housing costs, which he attributes to the immigration policies enacted under Joe Biden.
Republicans contend that their proposed agenda will lead to a reduction in both home prices and rental rates. This is expected to be achieved through deregulation, an increase in housing supply, and stricter measures against illegal immigration.
“When we first came in with President Trump, we had open borders. We had tens of millions of illegals in our country,” Turner explained. He argued that the surge in housing demand fueled by unauthorized immigration has directly contributed to higher costs for American citizens.
A recent working paper from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas supports this perspective. The study estimated that a 1% increase in the number of unauthorized immigrant workers corresponded with an approximate 2.2% rise in home prices and a 1.4% increase in rental rates.
Turner emphasized that in addition to dismantling regulations, expanding mortgage credit, and removing obstacles to new construction, curbing illegal immigration is a critical component in alleviating housing demand.
He further elaborated that the Trump administration’s focus on immigration enforcement is integral to the President’s broader strategy aimed at lowering expenses for American families amidst a persistent affordability crisis.
“Here in America, we prioritize American people and American people only. American houses are for American people,” Turner declared.
When questioned about the timeline for Americans to experience decreased housing costs, Turner indicated that the administration is already implementing measures to enhance housing affordability.
“I think there is a misperception that this is not a priority. It is of the utmost priority,” Turner asserted.
As evidence of these efforts, Turner highlighted two executive orders signed by President Trump. These orders are designed to eliminate regulatory hurdles for affordable housing construction, broaden access to mortgage credit, and increase the overall housing supply.
The HUD secretary also mentioned that the administration is in the process of repealing regulations and “bureaucratic red tape” that were put in place during the Biden administration. These actions are intended to reduce construction costs and stimulate more home building.
“That’s what we’re doing now, we are easing the regulatory environment, bringing the cost down, raising the supply so builders can build and homeowners can buy,” he stated, characterizing these initiatives as crucial steps toward making homeownership more accessible for American families.
