To the editor: The Instances reported that President Trump’s proposed tariffs may threaten Southern California’s $300-billion commerce trade, a sector that helps almost 2 million jobs linked to our area’s port and logistics techniques (“Trump’s tariffs threaten Southern California’s $300-billion trade industry, report says,” April 22).
That is deeply troubling as a result of these industries are foundational to the financial well being of our area and supply stability for numerous households. It’s particularly regarding for current faculty graduates like myself who’re getting into the workforce at a time of uncertainty. Reasonably than increasing alternative, these insurance policies may shrink job prospects throughout a number of sectors.
As a public well being scholar and up to date graduate, my perspective is formed by each tutorial coaching and private expertise. I’ve studied how financial insecurity can result in worsening psychological well being outcomes, elevated power stress and diminished entry to important companies like healthcare. These are realities for a lot of of my friends, particularly these from working-class and immigrant backgrounds who already face systemic boundaries to employment and well-being.
Additionally regarding is that job loss doesn’t keep confined to at least one trade. When commerce and logistics take successful, it ripples outward: native clinics, colleges, public transportation and housing markets all really feel the pressure. Communities which are already under-resourced usually get hit the toughest.
Policymakers ought to take a extra holistic strategy, one which considers not solely nationwide commerce objectives but in addition the native financial and public well being impacts. Defending jobs in Southern California mustn’t come second to political posturing. We want commerce insurance policies that maintain, not sabotage, the way forward for our communities.
Nadia Mahida, Backyard Grove
