Trump Claims Immigrants Are Taking “Black Jobs” at Journalist Convention.
Former President Donald Trump addressed a gathering of Black journalists on Wednesday, asserting that immigrants are taking jobs from Black Americans. His remarks were made during the National Association of Black Journalists annual convention.
Why It Matters: Trump’s statements are not only disconnected from the current U.S. economic landscape, but they also reinforce harmful stereotypes about the types of jobs that Black individuals hold.
This rhetoric mirrors comments he made during his recent debate with President Biden and reflects a central theme of his campaign. Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, often argue that immigration negatively impacts American workers.
State of Play: “I will tell you that coming from the border, there are millions and millions of people that happen to be taking Black jobs,” Trump stated. When asked to clarify what he meant by “Black jobs,” he humorously replied, “A Black job is anybody that has a job. That’s what it is,” eliciting laughter from the audience. He further claimed there is an “invasion” of people entering the country, asserting that “the Black population is affected most by that.”
Reality Check: However, the concept of “Black jobs” does not exist in the U.S. job market, as employment is not based on race. Discrimination in hiring remains, but civil rights laws have made it illegal to restrict jobs by race. Black Americans work in various roles, ranging from corporate executives to journalists.
Between the Lines: The belief that immigrants take jobs from U.S. workers has been challenged by economists for many years. Justin Wolfers, an economist at the University of Michigan, stated, “On balance, when you read the data, it appears that the effect of immigration on the employment of natives is small or non-existent.” Immigrants not only fill jobs but also contribute to the economy as consumers, increasing demand for goods and services.
The Big Picture: Trump’s comments stand in contrast to the current labor market situation. Despite an influx of immigrants in recent years, U.S. unemployment rates are at historic lows, and wages are rising. Although unemployment is higher for Black Americans than for white Americans, rates remain relatively low overall. Many employers, especially in lower-wage sectors, are reporting worker shortages. As the population ages, the importance of immigration continues to grow, especially in sectors like healthcare and hospitality, where some areas struggle to find workers.
The Bottom Line: As the presidential election approaches, the debate over Black employment presents two contrasting perspectives. One candidate, a Democrat, promotes the idea that Black individuals can succeed in any field, while Trump conveys a narrative that diverges sharply from this vision.