Housing and immigration are divisive issues, but solutions can bring Americans together

In our deeply polarized political landscape, it’s crucial to look for policies that have the potential to unite us across the ideological spectrum. That means identifying the many major societal challenges we face and examining the evidence for the policy solutions that will have the greatest impact while producing benefits that align with our diverse values.

Across the U.S., cities like Nashville face an affordable housing crisis. A 2021 report from the Mayor’s Affordable Housing Taskforce projects that Nashville needs to add nearly 54,000 units by 2030 to keep up with demand, or 4,800 units per year.

To make matters worse, our state and the country are dealing with a major shortage, to the tune of hundreds of thousands of workers, in the construction sector. According to the nonprofit Go Build Tennessee, “For every 5 tradesmen who retire, only 1 apprentice is training to fill their position.” Many foreign-born workers with construction backgrounds would like to work here, but our immigration system has made it virtually impossible for them to do so.

We can solve both of these issues by ending arbitrary legal barriers to both housing and immigration. And while there is broad support for these proposals among progressives and libertarians, there are also numerous outcomes that conservatives should find appealing.

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Our zoning policies are reducing the supply of housing

Economists agree that exclusionary zoning artificially restricts the housing supply by making it illegal to build anything but single-family homes on most parcels of land outside of urban centers.

These land use regulations artificially reduce the supply of housing and increase prices, keeping most middle- and low-income people priced out of major job centers and suppressing wages. It also leads to sprawling suburbs where most people have to commute by car, increasing pollution and social distancing.

While these arguments appeal to progressives and libertarians, conservatives who value property rights and limited government intervention should appreciate any policy that removes unnecessary regulations. The traditional notion of personal responsibility aligns with enabling more individuals to achieve the American Dream through increased access to affordable housing. Moreover, zoning reform opens avenues for educational choice, benefiting low-income families and promoting community involvement.

Addressing concerns about crime, empirical studies debunk the correlation between multi-family housing and higher crime rates. In fact, it is socio-economic disparities that cause crime, which means conservatives should embrace higher density. Recognizing the failures of restrictive zoning, conservatives should rally for change and support mixed development approaches.

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Immigrants have a positive effect on the workforce and economy

The debate over immigration often incites passionate arguments. However, a rational look at the empirical evidence reveals that allowing higher levels of immigration could substantially increase our standard of living. A common misconception is that immigrants burden economies and welfare systems. In reality, immigrants contribute positively, with economists overwhelmingly supporting immigration's net positive economic effects.

Pro-business conservatives should appreciate that immigrants are twice as likely as native-born Americans to become entrepreneurs and start businesses. The dynamic cultural exchange facilitated by immigration also leads to innovations, enriching societies and economies alike. Furthermore, immigrants' remittance payments bolster global development, often surpassing foreign aid budgets.

Addressing concerns about the impact on wages, jobs, and crime, studies indicate that immigrants have minimal adverse effects on native-born workers and exhibit lower crime rates. Contrary to popular belief, undocumented immigrants contribute more in taxes than they receive in benefits, undermining arguments about their burden on the social welfare system. .

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All sides can win by finding common ground on housing and immigration

These two policy issues offer a unique opportunity for coalition-building across ideological lines. Ending exclusionary zoning and liberalizing immigration are not zero-sum games, but approaches that expand economic prosperity and individual liberties. More people moving into cities or into the country at large increases the demand for goods and services, creating even more job and entrepreneurial opportunities leading to more productivity.

I analyze and provide even more evidence to support ending exclusionary zoning and liberalizing immigration on my website and make an even more expansive case for why conservatives, progressives, and libertarians should all be on board.

By focusing on common values and the underlying empirical evidence, we can work together to advance toward a more equitable and inclusive future. The removal of exclusions in housing and immigration policies can create a win-win situation, bolstering the economy, enriching cultures, and upholding individual liberties.

Justin Hayes is a communications professional and a Nashville resident. He writes regularly on Nashville and Tennessee policy issues at his website The JusTN Case, and is on Twitter/X at @justin_hayes11. 

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Affordable housing and immigration reform can create common ground