HUD Celebrates Falling Rents Amid Migrant Deportations

Housing Secretary says Trump's border policy is putting money in Americans' pockets

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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According to Housing Secretary Scott Turner, President Trump's deportation policy has led to a decline in national median rents for the sixth consecutive month, reaching a four-year low. Turner credits the reduced housing demand from deported illegal immigrants as the reason for the rent decreases, which he says is putting more money in the pockets of younger Americans.

Why it matters

The relationship between immigration levels and housing costs has been a contentious political issue, with pro-migration advocates arguing that governments need to build more housing, while others point to studies showing that increased migration leads to higher rents. This data from HUD appears to support the view that reduced immigration can ease housing affordability pressures.

The details

In a social media post, Housing Secretary Scott Turner celebrated the 'strong borders = more money in your pocket' impact of Trump's deportation policies. Turner noted that border patrol has released zero illegal aliens into the country for the ninth straight month, and that over 200,000 illegal migrants have been removed from government housing. Studies have shown that migration can spike housing costs by as much as 30%, and Zillow reported that U.S. home values rose 56% from 2020 to 2025 amid Biden's high-migration policies, while growth has slowed under Trump's lower-migration approach.

  • Rents have declined for the sixth consecutive month.
  • Border patrol has released zero illegal aliens into the country for the ninth straight month.

The players

Scott Turner

The U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under the Trump administration.

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, whose deportation policies are credited with reducing housing costs.

Joe Biden

The 46th President of the United States, whose high-migration policies are cited as contributing to a 56% rise in U.S. home values from 2020 to 2025.

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The takeaway

This data from HUD highlights the complex relationship between immigration levels and housing affordability, with the Trump administration's deportation policies credited for reducing rents and making homes more accessible for younger Americans. However, the issue remains politically contentious, with differing views on the root causes of rising housing costs.