Vancouver and Clark County offer several trusted resources for immigrants and refugees seeking legal help, community support, and public services.
Trump’s immigration policies in 2025–2026 are reshaping the U.S. labor market, straining local economies, and triggering concern across sectors, from agriculture and construction to healthcare and small business. In Vancouver, WA and Clark County, the ripple effects are real: labor shortages, slowed hiring, and rising costs are hitting immigrant-reliant industries hard.
Since returning to office in 2025, President Trump has aggressively pursued a second-term immigration agenda focused on enforcement, restriction, and deterrence. His administration has reinstated and expanded policies that limit both legal and undocumented immigration, including travel bans, refugee caps, and stricter visa processing. These changes are not just political, they’re economic. And at the local level, communities like Vancouver, WA are feeling the squeeze.
One of the most pressing concerns is the impact on labor supply. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, immigration crackdowns have contributed to a slowdown in job growth across border states like Texas. But the effects are not confined to the southern border. In Clark County, industries such as agriculture, food processing, elder care, and construction rely heavily on immigrant labor; both documented and undocumented. When work permits become harder to obtain and deportation risks rise, fewer workers are available to fill essential roles. This leads to delayed projects, reduced productivity, and increased costs for employers.
The American Enterprise Institute projects that net migration in 2026 could drop to near zero, further shrinking the labor force and reducing GDP growth by 0.3–0.4 percentage points. That may sound modest, but for local economies already grappling with inflation and housing shortages, it’s a significant hit. In Vancouver, where population growth has outpaced infrastructure investment, labor shortages in healthcare and education are particularly acute. Immigrant workers often fill roles in elder care, home health, and early childhood education—sectors that are now struggling to recruit and retain staff.
Small businesses are also feeling the strain. Restaurants, landscaping companies, and cleaning services report fewer job applicants and longer hiring timelines. A 2025 survey by the Dallas Fed found that nearly 60% of firms affected by immigration policies were unable to hire qualified workers due to lack of legal status or work permits. In Clark County, where small businesses make up a large portion of the local economy, this translates to reduced hours, slower growth, and in some cases, closures.
Housing is another area of concern. Immigrant families often live in multigenerational households, contributing to rental demand and neighborhood stability. When deportations rise or families fear accessing public services, housing insecurity increases. This can lead to higher vacancy rates, reduced school enrollment, and greater strain on social services. Vancouver’s affordable housing crisis is already severe, and immigration-related displacement only compounds the problem.
Healthcare access is also under pressure. Trump’s policies have rolled back protections for undocumented immigrants seeking medical care, including proposed restrictions on Medicaid eligibility and public charge rules that discourage families from using health services. In Washington State, where Apple Health provides coverage to many low-income residents, local clinics report increased fear and reduced engagement among immigrant patients. This leads to delayed diagnoses, untreated conditions, and higher emergency room costs.
Education systems are not immune. Schools in Clark County serve thousands of students from immigrant families. When parents are detained or deported, children face trauma, instability, and academic disruption. Teachers and counselors must navigate complex emotional and logistical challenges, often without additional resources. The Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families has deployed a Family Separation Rapid Response Team to help schools and families develop safety plans and access legal support.
Beyond these direct impacts, Trump’s immigration policies are reshaping community dynamics. Fear of ICE raids, traffic stops, and detention discourages civic participation, depresses consumer spending, and erodes trust in public institutions. Advocacy groups like WAISN (Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network) report increased demand for legal aid, housing referrals, and mental health support. In Vancouver, where sanctuary policies offer some protection, the Department of Corrections carveout remains a loophole, allowing ICE transfers from state prisons even after sentences are served.
The economic consequences of these policies are not just anecdotal, they’re measurable. The National Foundation for American Policy estimates that Trump’s immigration agenda could reduce cumulative GDP by $1.9 trillion between 2025 and 2028. That’s equivalent to $5,612 per person. The loss of 15.7 million workers by 2035; due to both legal and illegal immigration restrictions will hit local economies hardest, especially those with aging populations and labor-intensive industries.
In Vancouver, where the population is growing and the demand for services is rising, these policies create a mismatch between needs and capacity. Employers can’t find workers. Families can’t access care. Schools can’t stabilize enrollment. And communities can’t plan for the future when fear and uncertainty dominate.
For advocacy platforms like Humans To Action, this moment demands bold engagement. The data is clear: immigration contributes to economic growth, community resilience, and cultural vitality. Restrictive policies may score political points, but they undermine the very systems that keep local economies afloat. Whether it’s building dashboards to track ICE activity, embedding Know Your Rights guides in outreach materials, or mobilizing support for state-level reforms, the tools are available. The challenge is to use them effectively and urgently.