Economic Policies
To restore the United States’ economic independence and strengthen its position on the global stage, I propose the following:
Rebuilding American Manufacturing and Reducing Foreign Dependence : The United States must prioritize reducing its reliance on foreign countries for essential goods and services, especially in industries that affect national security, infrastructure, and technological advancement. By focusing on strengthening the Organization of American States (OAS) as a powerful economic alliance, we can build a more self-sufficient regional economy. This could be achieved through:
- Bringing Back Manufacturing : Encourage U.S. companies to bring manufacturing jobs back from BRICS countries by offering tax incentives, grants, and favorable trade conditions. Focus on industries like automobile production, steel manufacturing, chip technology, food production, energy, and pharmaceuticals. By revitalizing these sectors, we can ensure that key goods and services are produced domestically or within the OAS, reducing dependence on foreign imports and securing our supply chains.
- Strategic Partnerships within the OAS : Leverage the resources and production capacity of OAS member states to build a resilient economic block, capable of competing with BRICS nations. This can include partnerships in areas like agriculture, energy production (gas, timber, water resources), and technology development, ensuring mutual benefits for all OAS members.
Strengthening the U.S. Workforce : To maintain the integrity of the American workforce and protect jobs for U.S. citizens, we must reform current employment policies and visas.
- H-1B Visa Reform : Implement stricter regulations on H-1B visas to ensure that they are only granted to individuals who fill critical skill gaps in the U.S. workforce. This includes requiring comprehensive background checks, English language proficiency, and adequate financial support to prevent reliance on government aid. Companies should be required to post job openings for U.S. citizens for an extended period before turning to foreign workers. This will protect American jobs and reduce the exploitation of foreign labor at lower wages.
- Reviewing Foreign Contractors : Conduct a thorough review of all U.S. government contracts to ensure that foreign workers or contractors are not filling roles that could be served by American citizens. Any contracts involving infrastructure, technology, or defense should prioritize U.S. workers and U.S.-based companies to strengthen national security and job creation.
Work Cities for Seasonal Labor : To satisfy the demands of industries such as agriculture that rely on seasonal labor, I propose the establishment of Work Cities along the U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada. These cities would serve as centers where foreign workers can apply for short-term work visas, undergo background checks, and be temporarily employed under regulated conditions. This will provide a legal pathway for seasonal workers without compromising immigration laws or national security.
Economic Sanctions and Trade Policies : Any countries that refuse to cooperate with U.S. immigration policies by not accepting their citizens back must face economic sanctions and trade restrictions. This includes halting foreign aid and imposing tariffs on imports from non-compliant countries. At the same time, U.S. trade policies should incentivize domestic production and penalize outsourcing that harms American workers.
Campaign Finance and Political Reform : To protect the integrity of the U.S. economy and political system, we must address the influence of money in politics. Key reforms include:
- End Corporate Influence : Ban corporate contributions to political campaigns, ending the power that corporate PACs and lobbyists hold over legislation that affects the economy. Instead, limit individual contributions to $2,000 per person, ensuring that citizens, not corporations, shape the future of our country.
- Limit Advertising Costs : Cap the costs of campaign advertisements across media platforms, ensuring that all candidates have a fair opportunity to reach the public without being drowned out by wealthier opponents. This will prevent the monopolization of public discourse by corporate interests.
Building a Stronger OAS : The OAS can become a leading economic bloc, rivaling BRICS, by focusing on regional cooperation, resource management, and innovation. I propose:
- Job Creation within the OAS : Invest in regional manufacturing, technology, and agriculture to create millions of new jobs across OAS nations. This will include bringing manufacturing of critical goods like semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and steel back to the Americas, reducing dependency on global supply chains.
- Energy Independence : Promote energy cooperation within the OAS by developing sustainable energy projects and harnessing the natural resources of OAS member states. This will reduce energy dependence on foreign powers and promote energy security across the hemisphere.
- Regulating Foreign Ownership : Ban the foreign ownership of land, property, intellectual property (IP), and infrastructure in critical sectors, ensuring that American assets remain in the hands of U.S. citizens and companies.
By implementing these comprehensive economic policies, we can ensure that the United States not only strengthens its own economy but also leads the Organization of American States to become a global economic powerhouse. These actions will secure jobs, restore manufacturing, and promote long-term stability for generations to come.