In Part 2 of this conversation on 72 & Sunny, Congressman Scott Peters and Todd Schulte shift the immigration debate away from slogans and toward economics, labor, and affordability.

At the center of the discussion is one major question:

Can America realistically solve its housing crisis while removing millions of workers from the labor force?

According to Schulte, the answer is no.

The episode explores how immigrants play a critical role across industries that directly impact daily American life especially construction, housing development, childcare, healthcare, agriculture, and technology. Peters points out that cities like San Diego already struggle with severe housing shortages, and removing immigrant labor from construction would likely make housing even more expensive.

The conversation also examines the broader economic consequences of mass deportation policies, including projections showing higher grocery prices, rising construction costs, workforce shortages, and increased inflation for American families.

Schulte argues that immigrants are not only workers, but consumers, taxpayers, entrepreneurs, and economic contributors who help expand overall economic growth. The episode pushes back against the idea that immigration “takes jobs,” instead explaining how labor participation and workforce expansion often create additional jobs and economic activity for native-born Americans as well.

But Part 2 is not only about economics. It is also about solutions.

Peters and Schulte revisit what comprehensive immigration reform could actually look like: modernizing legal immigration pathways, creating a long-term process for undocumented immigrants to earn legal status, strengthening border management through practical enforcement, and building a system that aligns with the realities of today’s economy.

The discussion also addresses the politics behind immigration fear, public frustration over border management, and the growing need for leaders willing to focus on problem-solving instead of polarization.

Ultimately, this episode argues that immigration policy is deeply connected to some of the country’s biggest challenges including affordability, labor shortages, housing supply, and long-term economic competitiveness.

And if America wants lower costs, more housing, and sustained economic growth, the conversation suggests immigrant labor is not the obstacle.

It is part of the solution.

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