Housing is the foundation of the economy. …It’s not a surprise, then, that the Trump administration recently said it was considering declaring the housing crisis a national emergency. The federal government alone can’t solve the housing crisis. That said, the administration could take steps that would meaningfully help make American housing more affordable. …One of the biggest issues is supply. …But according to the NAHB, immigrants represent one in four American construction workers. Want a ceiling for your new home? More than 60% of ceiling installers are immigrants. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. home manufacturers said last year they faced shortages of carpenters and other key construction workers. Today, even fewer available workers means higher wages, which adds to the cost of new housing, and fewer homes getting built. Then there are tariffs that hit the housing industry, including 35% tariffs and related duties on Canadian lumber. [to access the full story a NY Times subscription is required]