How to Fix the Housing Crisis: Why We Need Immigrant Labor to Lower Costs | Part 2

In Part 2, Congressman Scott Peters and Todd Schulte move from the problems to the solutions. They tackle the most persistent myths head-on, using data to show that immigrants aren't draining the economy—they are holding it up. Discover why a functional legal system is the only way to end the chaos at the border. We discuss the "Grand Bargain" of reform: updating 1965-era laws to match a 2026 economy, securing the border with technology, and providing a rigorous but fair path to legal status for those who have been here for decades. Key Topics: The $14.5 Trillion tax surplus generated by immigrants over 30 years. Why native-born unemployment rises when immigration is slashed. The "Heroic Journey": Moving away from dangerous crossings to legal pathways. How to build an immigration system that actually solves the housing shortage. e expansion of "Mega Warehouse Jails" and private prisons. About the Show: 72 & Sunny is a podcast hosted by Congressman Scott Peters about the challenges and opportunities shaping San Diego and the country. We prioritize honest, solutions-oriented conversations grounded in facts. Some Notable Moments from this Episode: 00:00 – Immigrants: A $14.5 Trillion Fiscal Benefit 02:15 – Do Immigrants Take American Jobs? Fact-Checking the Tropes 07:35 – The Personal Cost: $2,150 a Year in New Expenses 10:45 – "Schrodinger’s Immigrant": Welfare vs. Workforce Myths 14:50 – The 2013 Comprehensive Reform & Why It Failed 24:50 – A Path to Dignity: Legal Status vs. Automatic Citizenship 33:20 – How You Can Influence Policy: Neighbor-to-Neighbor Impact 38:45 – Summary: Why Current Enforcement Equals Chaos 40:05 – Q&A: Can DHS Deport You to a Country You Aren’t From? 41:20 – Q&A: Addressing the $39 Trillion National Debt 43:30 – Q&A: Modernizing Environmental Reviews for Clean Energy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.