Freeport Republican says deportation could solve housing crisis

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Illinois State Sen. Andrew Chesney proposed deporting all undocumented immigrants to solve the housing crisis.

Chesney argued that deportation would free up housing units, thereby increasing supply and lowering costs.

Other officials at the legislative panel rejected the idea, calling it divisive and unsupported by evidence.

State Sen. Andrew Chesney stunned a legislative luncheon audience Dec. 9 when he said that his solution to a housing crisis would be the deportation of all undocumented immigrants.

The Freeport Republican said deporting immigrants would leave behind vacant housing that could reduce demand and boost supply, potentially lowering costs and reducing pressure on the housing market. Chesney said there is little firm data available, but bases his idea