In her first campaign rally in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 30, 2024, Democrat presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris vowed to address the issue of soaring rent prices and housing shortages plaguing many Americans. However, critics argue that Harris’s policies could exacerbate the problem by increasing competition for limited resources.
Harris’s proposal includes supporting the development of affordable housing and providing financial assistance to those struggling with high rents or mortgage payments. Critics point out that her support for raising interest rates on mortgages may make it even more difficult for many Americans, particularly working-class families, to afford homes.
Some experts argue that mass immigration plays a significant role in driving up housing costs. As immigrants move into densely populated metropolitan areas, the demand for housing increases, causing prices to rise. This phenomenon has been observed in numerous studies, including a 2017 analysis of nearly 300 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) that found an increase in the number of immigrants was associated with rising rents and home prices.
Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson echoed these concerns, stating that Biden’s policy of infusing millions of people into society has intensified competition for limited housing resources, driving up prices. Critics argue that Harris’s focus on supporting more immigration could exacerbate this issue further.
In a bid to address the housing crisis and its connection to mass immigration, Republican presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance called for stricter border control policies and increased funding for law enforcement agencies tasked with enforcing immigration laws. He also emphasized the need to prioritize the needs of American citizens over those of illegal aliens seeking to access housing resources.
As the issue of soaring rent prices and housing shortages continues to garner attention, political candidates on both sides of the aisle will likely be forced to address the role that mass immigration plays in exacerbating this crisis. With many Americans struggling to afford homes or find affordable rental options, it remains to be seen how these competing policy approaches will shape the conversation around housing and immigration reform in the coming months.