This Planet Money episode investigates the impact of President Trump's early immigration policies on the Little Village neighborhood in Chicago, a predominantly Mexican-American community. The report details the immediate chilling effect on the local economy, with businesses experiencing significant drops in revenue and residents fearful of venturing out. The podcast then shifts to an analysis of a previous mass deportation effort under the Obama administration, using it as a case study to examine the economic consequences of removing unauthorized workers. A key finding is that deportations do not create jobs for U.S. citizens; instead, they lead to job losses due to reduced economic activity and the disruption of complementary worker relationships in various industries. The episode concludes by highlighting the real-world impact on a local restaurant, illustrating the immediate economic consequences of fear and uncertainty.
