What caused the Rust Belt to rust?

[Vice President Christian Man]

Automation was the biggest reason although they all played a role. Stricter labor laws and tougher action against outsourcing can be an alternative to restricting immigration and trade, but my concern about relaxing immigration is that corporations can take advantage of the cheap labor, creating somewhat of a slave class. Tariffs are a double-edge sword. On one hand they're an extra tax for the working class. On the other hand, free trade can lower demand of the national and local economy, costing jobs. Tariffs are the lesser evil, although it would be ideal if local industry could be protected without the need for tariffs. Big business is also part of the culprit as giant corporations have destroyed small and family businesses.